Measure Would Restrict Migrants' Use Of Consular IDs

The Arizona Republic

Feb. 8, 2003

Elvia Diaz

Thousands of undocumented immigrants in Arizona could end up without valid identification under a proposed state law that cleared a legislative committee Thursday.

By a 6-3 vote, the House Committee on Federal Mandates and Property Rights approved the legislation, which would ban state agencies, local governments and law enforcement from accepting consular ID cards.

That means, if the bill gets final approval, immigrants carrying the cards issued by Mexican consulates could no longer use them as a primary form of identification when doing business with cities such as Phoenix and Tucson.

Thursday's discussion over the ID cards, known as matricula consular,set off accusations of racism and a debate about wide-ranging immigration issues. Some suggested the card entitles immigrants to social services such as welfare. Others believe the ID cards, which are being accepted nationwide, could lead to amnesty for undocumented immigrants.

"If we begin accepting the matricula consular card as a legal form of identification, we're doing nothing to discourage illegal immigration," said Rep. Randy Graf, a Green Valley Republican sponsoring the measure, House Bill 2316.

Not so, said Phoenix immigration lawyer Emilia Banuelos.

"This is not going to lead to amnesty," said Banuelos, adding that immigrants rely on the Mexican ID primarily for things like paying water bills, getting a library card and as a form of identification when pulled over by police.

The Phoenix Police Department, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and banks accept the card.

Tempe is considering doing the same.

Ruben Beltran, Mexico's consul general in Phoenix, said his office issued 29,028 consular ID cards in 2001 and 44,177 in 2002.

And while respectful of the decision of local authorities, Beltran rejected the notion by Graf and others that there is no way for Arizona authorities to verify the true identity of the person carrying the ID.