(Reuters) - The New York City Council on Thursday voted to create the nation's largest municipal identification card program to include illegal immigrants.
The plan, approved in a 43-3 vote with two abstentions, will allow some 500,000 illegal immigrants in the city to open bank accounts, sign apartment leases and access other services where a photo ID is required.
Supporters of the bill, including Mayor Bill de Blasio, said the ID cards will reduce obstacles for senior citizens, homeless individuals and illegal immigrants.