By Cheryl K. Chumley - The Washington Times - Friday, July 11, 2014
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law a measure that creates a municipal identification card that can now be used by illegal immigrants to access government services, rent an apartment and open a bank account.
“Today we’re living up to our highest ideals, and today we’re saying that no one should be left out,” said City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, calling the signing of the bill into law an “historic” moment, the New York Daily News reported. Ms. Mark-Viverito, along with fellow council members Carlos Menchaca and Daniel Dromm — all Democrats — said the new ID card gives the city’s estimated 500,000 illegal immigrants the opportunity to open bank accounts and rent housing, and even take advantage of certain government services.
Mr. de Blasio touted the ID card as a security measure for police and citizens.
“We want all New Yorkers to feel very comfortable working with the police,” he said, the New York Daily News reported. “We want them to be very able to identify themselves to police and do it in an atmosphere of safety. This is going to play a crucial role in deepening the relationship between police and community, including a lot of our immigrant communities.”
The card technically is for any city resident. But applicants aren’t going to be asked about their legal status, and council members and the mayor say it’s really aimed at helping the city’s most left-out citizens — the illegals.
“Even for those who already have ID, we’re going to make sure that this card brings a lot to the equation, a lot of benefits that will go with it,” Mr. de Blasio said, the New York Daily News reported. “But for those who don’t have ID, it’s going to be crucial.”