Ignore Scare Tactics, ID Cards Are Needed

February 10, 2003

The Indianapolis Star

Our position is: The Mexican ID card is not a threat to national security, but a tool for facilitating communication.

Concern that Mexican ID cards issued by the Indianapolis consulate pose a threat to national security should be dismissed for what it is: prejudice against Mexican immigrants.

The group Friends of Immigration Law Enforcement, based in Washington, D.C., has whipped up a campaign to discredit use of the cards, but its agenda is suspect. The group claims the cards are a backdoor strategy devised by Mexico to obtain amnesty for millions of illegal aliens. Further, the group says, the mere existence of the cards will encourage illegal border crossings and compromise the country's security.

U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo, D-Colo., has introduced a bill in Congress to prevent the use of the IDs in any federal public benefits program.

To the extent that picture IDs confer a sense of legitimacy, it may be natural to wonder why illegal residents should qualify. The reality is that thousands of Mexicans are in Indiana, working, paying taxes and contributing to the economy. Facilitating their interactions with mainstream institutions helps them and the community alike.

If anything, the issuance of legitimate photo IDs should aid the cause of national -- and local -- security. Indianapolis police and firefighters say it's frustrating to arrive at a crime or accident scene involving new immigrants but be unable to confirm a person's identity.

All applicants for the ID must present an original birth certificate and a photo passport or border certificate to consular officials. In addition, proof of residency, such as a utility bill, is required. Though a few instances of fraudulent IDs have been reported around the country, the system is no more subject to fraud than other U.S. government-issued cards.

Remember, even with all the security steps in place since Sept. 11, 2001, teenagers can still find ways to forge fake driver's licenses in order to enter bars.

Numerous banks across the country, including four in Indiana, recognize the card, which means Mexicans working in the United States can open accounts, conduct business and send money to family members in Mexico without paying the exorbitant fees charged to send wire transmissions.

Mexicans send home an estimated $16 million a day, making it extremely smart business for local banks to service their accounts.

We urge Indiana institutions to recognize the Mexican ID card as a valuable tool for confirming identity and facilitating the integration of new residents into community life.