Thread: Rep. Sali On Mexican Consulate In Idaho

March 7, 2008

Dear -------

Thank you for contacting me regarding your opposition to a Mexican consulate in Boise. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on these issues.

The Foreign Ministry of Mexico has made a request to the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to be allowed to open a consulate in Boise. In order for this to take place, the DOS would have to approve the request. The DOS currently has no timetable for reviewing the request.

I share your hesitation regarding opening such a consulate in Boise. There are currently 42 Mexican consulates in the United States. These consulates issue Matr�cula Consular, or consular registration cards, a form of identification identifying the bearer as a Mexican citizen. There have been some who have shared concerns that such a form of identification could result in enabling illegal aliens to function within our society. The discussions surrounding alien status within our country currently focuses almost exclusively on illegal immigration.

Recently, I wrote Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice outlining my concerns with the proposed consulate. As I wrote in my letter to her: "Idaho is one of many states plagued by a significant presence of illegal immigrants. According to an estimate made by the respected Pew Hispanic Center, in 2005 there were up to 35,000 illegal aliens in my home state. They defy the rule of law and impose substantial costs on our state's health, education, judicial and welfare systems."

While illegal immigration is an obvious violation of our laws, it is also a serious breach of our national security. On a number of occasions, our terrorist enemies have sought to enter or remain in our country illegally. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff recently noted, "All but one of the 9/11 hijackers who carried out the plot five years ago used American identification documents that they had obtained in fraudulent purposes, including drivers' licenses." Clearly, our safety as a nation is at risk under the current system. Illegal immigrants should be repatriated whenever their illegal status is verified by a local, state or federal law enforcement body. Period.

Please be aware that this issue is one that I will continue to monitor. I take seriously my responsibility to provide the representation you expect and deserve in the people's House of Representatives.

Thank you again for contacting me. It is an honor to serve as your member of Congress, and I hope you will continue to share your views on the important issues facing our country. For more information and updates on my work in Congress, please visit my website, www.sali.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Bill Sali
Member of Congress

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Nice letter. Rep Sali seems like he genuinely cares about your concerns.