Illegal immigrants to get ID cards in Connecticut (Reuters)

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Illegal immigrants to get ID cards in Connecticut
Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:49AM EDT

By Lucy Nalpathanchil

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (Reuters) - As many U.S. cities and
states arrest illegal immigrants in raids and toughen laws
against them, a Connecticut city is offering to validate them
under a controversial, first-in-the-nation ID card program.

Starting Tuesday, New Haven will offer illegal immigrants
municipal identification cards that allow access to city
services such as libraries and a chance to open bank
accounts.

Supporters say the cards will improve public safety and give
undocumented workers protections now afforded legal
residents. Critics contend it will unleash a flood of illegal
immigration, straining services and wasting taxpayer money.

New Haven officials overwhelmingly approved the program
last month in a 25 to 1 vote.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2227446920070722