 Personal Documents Immigration authorities usually confiscate documents like passports or board certificates from people crossing the border into the United States without a visa or other entry permit. Although federal policies say that border authorities must immediately return your personal property if it is not contraband or fraudulent, they may often not return these documents until the end of your immigration case. As a resident of New York City, you may be eligible for IDNYC, our city's municipal identification card. IDNYC provides access to a wide variety of city institutions, services and programs. IDNYC is accepted as your proof of identity by New York City police offices and for entering public buildings like schools. For more information on IDNYC, visit the link below.