Bank accounts without Social Security numbers raise questions in BX

Not having a Social Security number no longer means having no access to a bank account, which has some Bronx residents raising security questions.
Bank of America started a pilot program in California that allows undocumented people to open accounts. The financial institution says its program is not catering to illegal immigrants. Bank of America also says it is in compliance with the law. Banco Popular has a similar program, which allows the use of a taxpayer identification number in place of a Social Security number.
However, the programs have some critics worried about national security. They argue the banks are making it easier for terrorists to funnel money and stage attacks.