August 5, 2002

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley on June 19th gave his support for the Chicago City Councils- approval of the "matricula consular" identification which is to be used by Mexican nationals as a legal identification. City officials believe this form of identification will provide easier access for immigrants living in Chicago to financial and public services.

The "matricula consular" is given to Mexican nationals at birth along with their birth certificate and proper form of identification. It is issued by the Mexican Consulate and is availible only to those Mexican nationals who have been living in the United States for at least six months. "Improving the quality of life for all Chicagoans is a top priority for my administration," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. In order to establish an ordinance that would be equitable to city residents, the city of Chicago has been working on a close basis with the Mexican Consulate officials.

The "matricula consular" will from now on be recognized as a valid form of identification throughout the city of Chicago including times when any city department may require members of the public to prove their identity. "The -matricula consular- identification grants Mexican nationals the freedom to legally use city services already availible to them" said Mayor Daley.

For many immigrants, the legal usage of the "matricula consular" will ease the process of conducting daily business transactions such as obtaining library cards, cashing checks and other transactions conducted by the city which they often find strenuous. By authorising the ordinance the city of Chicago recognizes the efforts made by Chicago's immigrant society to ensure that Mexican immigrants can go about their daily business functions.

Mayor Daley also gave his encouragement to other consular offices to give their support to the city on this matter. "This process will be opened up to other immigrants living in the city of Chicago. I want all city residents to have equal access to services." added Mayor Daley.