THE MAGIC CARD

Mexico's maricula consular opens numerous doors for immigrants. But critics say the document is misused.
By Karl-Erik Stromsta
DAILY BREEZE

As it becomes mired in debate and demagogy, two things remain certain about the matricula consular. It has become increasingly popular in recent years -- and increasingly controversial.

The card grants undocumented immigrants de facto economic amnesty in the United States, allowing them to open savings accounts, take out loans, buy cell phones, board airplanes and qualify for government-subsidized housing.

More than a dozen states accept them as a valid form of ID when obtaining a driver's license, although not California.

Mexico began issuing matricula cards in 1870 to make it easier for Mexicans living abroad to get consular assistance and return home, and for more than 130 years it remained obscure and uncontroversial.

But since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks -- and the revelation that 14 of the 15 terrorists possessed valid, U.S.-accepted IDs -- the card has been attacked by anti-immigration activists and skittish politicians.