Geoff Metcalf
Monday, July 22, 2002

A recent Washington Times story (http://washingtontimes.com/business/20020718-72441916.htm) outlined the details of a Mexican identification card used chiefly by illegal immigrants that is being accepted by a growing number of U.S. banks and cities. What is wrong with this picture?

It is not racist to object to "illegals"… notwithstanding the protestations of those who continue to defend the indefensible.

Despite the cries of Mexican President Vicente Fox and the gaggle of Hispanic civil rights groups, the operative word in the definition is, always was, and will remain "ILLEGAL."

Illegal aliens are lawbreakers. Sure, it is a chump-change law, but it is a law nonetheless … with significant consequences. For the United States to continue to reward lawbreakers is myopic, expensive, stupid and criminal.

The so-called matricula consula card is used primarily by illegals. Apparently there is no law, regulation or guidance to prevent cities or banks from using it as a means of identification.

Bill Strassberger, a spokesman for the Immigration and Naturalization Service, said: "It's strictly an identification document. If banks choose to accept it, that does not make it an immigration matter."

This practice of wink-wink/nod-nod is a classic personification of corporate greed. Banks like Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Citibank see an opportunity to handle over $60 billion and have started accepting the matricula consula as ID.

Meanwhile, major cities, such as "Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco, have followed by accepting the ID for use in city business such as borrowing books from libraries, entering municipal buildings and minor scrapes with the police."

EXCUSE ME?!?!? This should be a no-brainer. If a would-be bank customer or municipal service recipient uses a matricula consula instead of a valid state driver's license or birth certificate, do you think that 'maybe' that might be a clue that person is here illegally and at least 'someone' should check????

The Mexican consul general in L.A. is Jonesing over the 'success' of the program. "This program has gone completely beyond my expectations," said Martha Lara, who lobbied U.S. officials for its acceptance.

In L.A. alone, they crank out 15,000 of these cards each month. Thousands more are issued by the other 47 Mexican consulates in the U.S.

It is common knowledge that these cardholders are in all probability in the United States illegally. If they had a U.S. residence, they could get American-issued identification, such as a driver's license.

In addition to the banks, there is wide coalition supporting the use of the cards.

• Police forces reportedly are happy to have a reliable ID for noncitizens.

• Hispanic civil rights groups are jazzed.

• The Mexican government, "mindful of the close attention being paid to immigrants since the September 11 terrorist attacks, has pushed the card as a way to protect its citizens."

• Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington, noted, "It makes life easier for illegal immigrants."

• That compromises law enforcement and security.

• It's a creeping amnesty that incorporates illegal aliens into our institutions.

• It may let banks get their hands on over $60 billion, but it will cost taxpayers a lot more.

• In addition to accepting the matricula, Bank of America has invested $40 million in a Spanish-language advertising campaign.

• B of A also offers a service that allows customers to send money to Mexico.

• Wells Fargo, which in November became the first bank in the nation to accept the ID, has used the card to open 35,000 checking accounts that now hold about $50 million in deposits.

Austin, Texas, Assistant Police Chief Rudy Landeros said: "We are focused on public safety, not immigration. Our job is to protect and serve, regardless of immigration status."

Hey, Rudy, loosen your hat … immigration DOES impact on public safety.

When Wells Fargo announced last November the card would be valid ID at all bank locations in 23 states, other banks (apparently fearing a competitor might get a taste of business denied them) jumped into the arena. "Three hours later, faxes were rolling into my office [from banks] saying they would accept it too," Mrs. Lara said.

This is nuts! Reward illegal aliens for illegal residency? I have heard from hundreds of LEGAL Mexican immigrants who are not racist, prejudiced or uncompassionate who are frankly p.o.'ed.

You may want to inquire with your bank and city government to determine what position they have on these ID cards for illegals. Then make your consumer and voter decisions appropriately.

Visit Geoff Metcalf's Web site at http://www.geoffmetcalf.com. He may be contacted at geoff@geoffmetcalf.com.

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Immigration/Borders

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