Just one day after the general election, the second largest city in America has some great news for illegal immigrants. With the 12-1 vote, Los Angeles council approved ID cards for about half-million city residents who are mostly illegal immigrants (about 15% of total population in LA). With the LA ID Card, a cardholder can open bank accounts, lend books at public libraries and pay utility bills (gas, electricity, water).
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is one of the top sponsors of the LA ID card. Several councilmen and councilwomen also have supported the idea.
Right now, majority illegal immigrants are carrying cash. By giving a thumb up on the city ID card, LA council believes that cardholders will learn how to access banking services and take responsible to handle their financial needs.
Aside being for identification purposes, the magnetic strip of the LA ID Card can be pre-loaded with cash and later can be used as a debit card for shopping at supermarket or any convenience stores.
A similar city ID card has been propagated widely in other cities in California, including Oakland, Richmond and San Francisco. In San Francisco, the cost for getting the city ID card for a child age 13-year old or younger is $5. For an adult age 14-year and older is $15. While for senior citizen age 62-year and older, and for low income family is $5 per card.
(Image: San Francisco City ID card)
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