Bobby Eberle is President and CEO of GOPUSA (www.GOPUSA.com), a news, information, and commentary company based in Houston, TX. He holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Rice University.
Posted on 01/13/2003 7:10:20 AM PST by madfly
Just when you thought we were making strides in homeland security comes another frightening reminder of how little seriousness is being placed on monitoring those who enter our borders. Introducing the Howdy Doody ID card -- also known as the Matricula Consular card.
The Matricula Consular (MC) card is not new, but it's gaining increased recognition as more and more politicians and citizens recognize how the MC card could be used by illegal aliens and potential terrorists to gain entry into America. The MC card is essentially an identification card which is issued by Mexican consulates to Mexican nationals. It is not a travel document nor is it a driver's license.
Mexicans who are legally in the U.S. have no need for an MC card because they already possess appropriate identifying documents such as a passport or green card. It is the illegal aliens who are eagerly waiting for their own MC card. As more and more businesses and institutions accept the MC card as a valid means of identification, illegal aliens are going to be more and more likely to use it.
The MC card does not give the bearer any legal status in the U.S. It is simply an ID card. It carries about as much weight as an ID card to the Howdy Doody Fan Club. Perhaps if I put my picture on my Blockbuster card, I could get into FBI headquarters.
According to the Consulate of Mexico in Boston, one of the requirements to get an MC card is to present a valid Mexican birth certificate. Give me $25, and I'll get you a "valid" Mexican birth certificate too. That and a U.S. mailing address are all you need. There are no background checks of any kind involved with getting an MC card. Simply supply the appropriate paperwork, and you have your own Howdy Doody ID card.
If businesses accept the MC card over other forms of valid identification (identification having more requirements) and it is easy to obtain, then we are essentially granting illegal aliens a "legal" status in the U.S. by allowing them to conduct transactions, purchase goods, or whatever else would take place at the accepting business or institution.
Rather than closing loopholes and cracking down on ways for terrorists to enter the country, we are now making it easier through the increased acceptance of the MC card. Now, individuals possessing an MC card can enter and conduct business in federal buildings. We are rolling out the red carpet and inviting the terrorists in.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) recently issued a statement praising the fact that individuals who carry the MC card will now have access to the Phillip Burton Federal Building and United States Courthouse at 450 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
These buildings are headquarters for FBI offices as well as other agencies which may be tempting targets for terrorists. In addition, by accepting the MC card, we are sending the wrong message to illegal aliens. As Americans we should welcome immigrants with open arms, and we do... as long as they enter our country legally. The MC card is but another disincentive to curbing the flood of illegal aliens.
In responding to Rep. Pelosi's statements, Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO), a leading advocate in the fight against illegal immigration, is quoted in the Washington Times as saying, "There is no one in the United States of America that needs a [Mexican-issued] ID card other than someone who is here illegally or someone here who is a felon."
The MC card is currently not recognized by the federal government. However, some local governments have elected to accept the MC card as a valid form of identification. This will certainly lead to problems under the "equal protection clause" of the U.S. Constitution which requires that all laws be enforced equally.
The greater acceptance of the MC card also sends the wrong messages to Americans. Are we serious about protecting our borders and fighting the war on terror? Are we serious in cracking down on illegal immigration? Statements by legislators such as Nancy Pelosi send the wrong message.
It's hard enough to fight a war on terror and combat illegal immigration as it is now. Let's not make it any easier.
Bobby Eberle is President and CEO of GOPUSA (www.GOPUSA.com), a news, information, and commentary company based in Houston, TX. He holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Rice University.
Sounds like a conspiracy to me.
IIRC, authorities can't ask about national origin without probable cause. Doesn't the MC answer that question and tell the cop that the guy in front of him should be taken into custody and the INS notified?
That our administration is unable/unwilling to protect our nation's southern border is clear. For some reason, we are treating Fox and his drug lord government like they had some negotiating position. And, even if they did, you know they would never live up to any agreement.
It is like the Rio Grande water. They've now "agreed" to provide about one third of the water owed. You KNOW they never will. There will be the usual Mexican whining and lame excuses why they can't do what they said as an excuse for what they couldn't do earlier.
The border must be sealed and we must take control of the gates of entry.
What a country!!!
Since most law enforcement agencies have agreed not to coordinate with the INS or report known illegals, it doesn't matter if these law breakers show cops their MC card or if they jump up and down with a bullhorn shouting "I'm an illegal!"
That's why I'd like to see LEO's start asking for a second ID, a "Draft Card" which has nothing at all to do with the INS and failure to be registered in most cases, is a Felony. Who knows, this practice might turn up a few terrorists too!
Yes, I like your idea. I know you have sent your thoughts to a few people, including Michelle Malkin. Have you also sent this idea to O'Reailly?
One thought though, LEO's claim they have adopted the policy in order to better able to police, i.e. reporting illegals will scare other illegals in the public from coming forward with info on crimes. Don't you think they will use this same bogus excuse not to ask for the Selective Service registration? When you are already knowingly disregarding laws on the books what's one more?
RINO Bush couldn't get 245i passed after several tries, so he'll get his way against the wishes of the MAJORITY of Americans who vehemently oppose this insanity. Don't forget NumbersUSA.com free faxes to Bush and others to remind them of this fact.
Great, he'll get a couple of copies, as I also sent it to him, the president, my congressman, the RNC & Sean Hannity. I hope somebody is taking a look at all these articles I send, but if nothing else, their delete key is getting a workout.
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