Hundreds of illegal aliens come to get Matricula Consular Cards...

Hundreds of Mexican nationals come to get matriculas


A border watchdog group is against the cards’ issuance


By Isaac Guerrero
The Rockford Star (MI), March 27, 2008

Rockford, MI -- Maria Peinado is going through the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. But until the paperwork is complete, the Juarez, Mexico, native has no driver’s license or Social Security card, and the simple task of cashing a paycheck is difficult. Peinado was among hundreds of Mexican nationals who went Thursday to La Voz Latina to obtain passports and a Mexican ID card called a “matricula consular.” The documents are issued by the Mexican Consulate in Chicago. The agency set up a mobile office Wednesday at La Voz Latina, 412 Market St., and will be here through Sunday.

“Until she becomes a citizen, the matricula is the only ID she can get,” said Peinado’s son, Luis Rincon. “It makes life a lot easier.”

It also makes for controversy, as opponents say the cards help undocumented workers stay in the United States illegally. Illinois is among several states that recognize matriculas. In 2005, Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed into law a measure requiring state and local government agencies within Illinois to recognize the documents issued by foreign consulates.

The card, which is valid for five years, resembles a driver’s license with a picture and date of birth. It cannot be used as a driver’s license or to obtain one in Illinois. It also can’t be used to register to vote or as proof of residency or immigration status. The cards are most often used to open a bank account, register children for school and as a form of ID when paying a bill, La Voz Latina director Pat Gomez said.

The consulate’s Rockford visit is sponsored by Blackhawk Bank and Members Alliance Credit Union. Both institutions accept matriculas as a valid form of identification from their customers.

“It’s better to have (illegal immigrants) identified in some way so that we can track who is here for the health and safety of everyone,” Gomez said.

But too often American taxpayers foot the bill when illegal immigrants are hospitalized, jailed or educated in public schools, said E.J Pagel. The Winnebago resident is an active member of the Illinois Minutemen Project. The group opposes the issuance of matriculas because “it aides and abets illegal immigration,” he said.

“It’s just more money that’s going to come out of taxpayers’ pockets,” Pagel said.

Demand, however, is driving the mobile consulate program. At least 200 matriculas and 120 passports a day will be issued during the mobile consulate’s five-day Rockford visit, said Mexican Consul Francisco Valdes, who was in town Thursday to oversee the documentation program. Valdes said it’s not his agency’s job to question whether Mexican nationals are living legally in this country.

“We only do our job, which is to give proper ID to people,” he said.


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