New York creates ID card for all, even illegal immigrants

news.msn.com New York Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday signed a new law creating an ID card for anyone who wants it, including illegal immigrants, amid a wider debate about immigrant rights. De Blasio said it would help illegal immigrants -- there are 500,000 in New York, he estimated -- get better access to a range of services in the city such as opening a bank account or getting a lease on a property. "This is about normalizing and improving people's lives," the Democratic mayor said, describing New York as "a beacon of hope and inclusion." People applying for the municipal ID card "will not be asked about their immigrant status," he emphasized. The new card will be available starting January 2015 and will be free for the first year.