City to recognize immigrant IDs

Bloomington will begin to recognize the Matricular Consular, or "Mexican Consular ID card," a valid form of personal identification held by Mexican immigrants, Mayor John Fernandez announced Thursday. \nFernandez spoke at the 2003 Latino Summit at St. Paul's Catholic Center.\nMexican consul Sergio Aguliera joined Fernandez in the announcement. \n"The Mexican consulate in Indianapolis applauds Mayor Fernandez and Bloomington for recognizing the benefits of ID cards," Aguilera said. "These cards are internationally recognized and can be used for routine, day-to-day purposes like obtaining a bank account."\nThe Matricular Consular is an official Mexican government document designed for identification and registration of Mexican nationals abroad. It works as a secondary form of identification; a primary form of ID is still required.\nIn a statement, Indiana Senator Dick Lugar said he was in favor of recognition of the cards, stressing the economic benefits the nation would receive because local banks will generate more business, crime will be reduced and immigrants will be more likely to make big-ticket purchases to bolster the local economy.\n"I believe that this is a sound policy that will benefit our country, as well as the individuals who receive these cards," he said.\nFernandez applauded Bloomington residents for recognizing new members of the community and the significant role of the Hispanic community in Bloomington. \n"Bloomington has a long history of welcoming newcomers," Fernandez said. "Recognizing the Mexican Consular ID card is simply the next step in helping our community's Mexican residents enter mainstream life more smoothly, as well as acknowledging their contributions to the economy and fabric of life in Bloomington."\nNot only will the ID cards aid in communication barriers currently experienced by Hispanics in the area, but will also help newcomers feel more comfortable and provide opportunity. \n"People that are here now will feel more welcome," said Lillian Castillas, director of the Latino Cultural Center. "The ID cards are in a way improving our quality of life and opening doors for us."\nBoth Fernandez and Aguilera added that the ID cards will enhance communication between Mexican residents, local law enforcement, health care professionals and other services in Bloomington.\n"Our goal for today's summit is to help individual agencies acquire new improvements for communication partnerships as part of the growing Hispanic and Latino community in the City of Bloomington," Fernandez said. \nAguilera praised Bloomington residents for all of their hard work and dedication to making Matricular Cards possible. \n"We have been working towards this and it is important that this is happening here in Bloomington, a growing and important community," Aguilera said. "This is a definitely a step in the right direction."\nFernandez joins other Indiana mayors, including Bart Peterson of Indianapolis, Grahm Richard of Fort Wayne and Fred Armstrong of Columbus, in acknowledging the substantial economic, social and cultural benefits to Hispanics and Latinos as well as the community for recognizing the ID card.\nBoth Fernandez and Aguilera noted the city's recognition of the Mexican Consular ID cards does not change laws related to immigration or legalize undocumented aliens.\nOver 700,000 ID cards have already been issued this year alone.\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.