Posted on 10/19/2003, 5:36:29 AM by yonif
As politicians in Sacramento debate the future of a new state law that allows undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses, hundreds of Mexican immigrants living in Wine Country will brave long lines this weekend hoping to acquire another form of ID considered by many to be the next best thing.
The Mexican Consulate in San Francisco will set up shop at the End of Harvest Fiesta in Cloverdale and spend the weekend processing Mexican identification cards for 700 of its citizens.
That's the number of people who already have made the required appointments to receive the cards; nearly 150 more have added their names to a waiting list, according to event sponsors.
The cards are a hot commodity among those living illegally in the United States because they allow people without other identification to access a number of services, such as boarding airplanes and opening bank accounts.
And in the wake of last week's recall election and Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarze-negger's promise to repeal the driver's license law recently signed by Gov. Gray Davis, the Mexican ID, known in Spanish as a "matricula consular," has become even more desired.
"People are going to look at the possibility of that (driver's license) law being reconsidered by the new governor and say ... if I can't have a driver's license I'm certainly going to ask for a matricula," said Irma Cordova of the Santa Rosa-based California Human Development Corporation, the event's organizer.
Matriculas are accepted as valid ID by more than 100 cities nationwide, including three in Sonoma County. Rohnert Park, Sonoma and Santa Rosa accept the cards and the Cotati City Council is scheduled to vote on the issue Oct. 22.
The $28 plastic cards carry the bearer's photo and U.S. address. To obtain one, Mexican nationals must present proof of Mexican nationality, U.S. residence and photo identification.
While the cards are usually available only through Mexico's consulate offices, the consulates occasionally travel to areas with large Latino populations to issue cards on location, such as this weekend's event in Cloverdale.
The cards do not grant legal status, nor can they be used to vote or obtain social services. But vocal opponents of any status for illegal immigrants see it as a stepping stone -- like driver's licenses -- toward recognition.
Matriculas are "part of a broader campaign by the Mexican Foreign Ministry to bring about an illegal alien amnesty," said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies.
While it is unknown how many Mexican nationals live in Sonoma County, the area is home to 64,000 people with Mexican ancestry, according to the 2000 Census.
You can reach Staff Writer Cecilia M. Vega at 521-5213 or cvega@pressdemocrat.com.
More like thousands and thousnds all the time
Isn't I.D. not a requirement to vote? I'd heard that they couldn't ask for your I.D. in California.
Exactly. The real election is in the primaries when your vote counts the most and true patriots have a chance against the Establishment. After the Primary, basically you get to choose between electing Lucifer, Beezelbub or Satan
If only Pat Buchanan would run again...the McClintbots have time on their hands...might pull the old Brigadier banners out of the closet. Suggest that this movement of "true patriots" call themselves the Windmill Party....Quixote style.
"true patriots" call themselves the Windmill Party
Thanks for the advice. Let me return the favor. Why don't you call your political faction "The Hemlock Party"?
Further proof that such checks have absolutely nothing to do with public safety, but are just a means to harass and intimidate the sheeple lest they forget that they are just serfs to the feudal lords of government.
Californians in the area should organize a Freep Counter protest
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