NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- New Haven officials overwhelmingly approved on Monday night a plan to issue identification cards to undocumented immigrants.
The 25-1 vote spearheads the first of its kind identification card in the nation. Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Erika Arias reported the cards will become available to residents next month.
Arias reported the decision came amid a shouting match debate inside and outside City Hall from residents on both sides of the issue.
"I don't want them to take over our country and that exactly what they're doing," said Ted Pechinski, of Branford.
"New Haven is an immigrant community and we support immigrants here," said Rebecca Lewis, of New Haven.
New Haven Alderwoman Arlene Depino, R-District 18, was the only member to vote no.
"We will overburden the already overburdened New Haven taxpayer. So, I was looking at it from a financial aspect," she said.
Officials said the Elm City Resident Cards program will provide official identification from the city to people who otherwise might not have a way to prove who they are.
Kica Matos, administrator of the city's Community Services Department, spearheaded the program three years ago.
"This is never going to cost taxpayers a dime. It will always be our responsibility to generate funds from outside the city to keep this going," Matos said.
Matos said the cards will also improve public safety because without identification to open bank accounts, immigrants have become victims of robbery, assault and even murder.
"Immigrants will hopefully now be able to use card to open bank accounts and deposit money in the banks," Matos said.
The cards will provide residents access to places like libraries and public parks. The city said holograms on the cards will help to prevent duplication and the making of fake identification cards.
A private foundation has provided $250,000 to start program and the cards will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children.
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