Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa -- More than 200 immigrants in Iowa could get identifications cards from the Mexican Consulate in Omaha next month, enabling them to obtain access to bank accounts, enroll in libraries and board airplanes. The Mexican officials will also hand out 30 passports to applicants.
The Mexican government offers the ID cards called matricular consular to its citizens living in the United States, whether they are here legally or not.
Opponents said the cards flout U.S. laws by giving illegal immigrants access to services they should not have and provides a loophole that could be used by terrorists.
Tickets that will enable the holder to get a card on Oct. 1 will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis on Saturday.
"It's a great benefit to have the card," said Lilia Tinajero of Des Moines, who used her card to open an account at Wells Fargo Bank. "Before, you couldn't open bank accounts for not having an ID, and now you can. It makes you feel more secure."
Posted by Suzanne at September 20, 2005