Card by Mexican consulate refused n NC House bill

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – An identification card issued by the
Mexican consulate would no longer be considered acceptable ID to
prove residency in North Carolina to get government services in
legislation tentatively approved in the House.

The measure given initial approval Tuesday brought passionate
arguments over illegal immigration and the growing Hispanic
population in the state’s workforce.

The bill would remove the “matricula consular” from a list of
documents to establish state residency to get a driver’s license,
obtain auto insurance or enroll in Medicaid. Local governments also
can’t accept the IDs and similar cards created by other countries.

Bill sponsor Rep. Mike Hager of Rutherfordton said the matricula
consular is viewed as an unreliable form of ID by federal law
enforcement. Opponents said the bill would have many unintended
consequences.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)