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Mexican identification cards available in Pomona

By Monica Rodriguez Staff Writer
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

POMONA - The flow of Mexican nationals visiting the Escuela De Bellas Artes was steady Tuesday as they obtained consular identification cards from representatives of the Mexican Consulate.
The cards, known as the matricula consular, serve to identify the holder as a Mexican citizen. Those who are in the United States without proper immigration documents can use the card to open bank accounts that can help them move away from using costly check-cashing services. The cards are a valid form of identification for many law enforcement agencies. The Pomona Police Department will accept the card as a form of identification for infractions along with a thumbprint, police have said in the past.

Representatives of the Mexican Consulate and its mobile consulate service will be at Escuela De Bellas Artes, 242 S. Garey Ave., from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily until Saturday. Depending on the number of people seeking the cards, the hours could be extended, said Arturo Jimenez, president of the Pomona Valley Latino Chamber of Commerce.

Those wishing to have a card issued must provide proof of Mexican nationality, which can be done by presenting one of the following: an original birth certificate; a certificate of Mexican nationality; a letter of naturalization; a passport or a document declaring Mexican nationality.

People also must present a photo identification card such as the card issued by the Mexican Federal Electoral Institute; a Mexican driver's license; a driver's license or school identification card issued by an agency within the Mexican consulate's service boundaries; a certificate of education issued by the offices of the Mexican Secretary of Public Education; a passport; or other documents deemed acceptable by consulate officials.

People must present proof of living in the consulate's service area, which can be a rent receipt or utility bill or other documents.

For information, call the Mexican consulate at (323) 923-2130.

The service is provided through a joint effort of Mayor Norma Torres, the Latino Chamber, the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center, the law office of Planas & Perez and Laguna Technical College.