New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law a measure that creates a municipal identification card that can now be used by illegal immigrants to access government services, rent an apartment and open a bank account.

"Today we're living up to our highest ideals, and today we're saying that no one should be left out," said City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, calling the signing of the bill into law an "historic" moment, the New York Daily News reported. Ms. Mark-Viverito, along with fellow council members Carlos Menchaca and Daniel Dromm — all Democrats — said the new ID card gives the city's estimated 500,000 illegal immigrants the opportunity to open bank accounts and rent housing, and even take advantage of certain government services.