A personal story: Identification card eases her border crossings

By Emily Bazar -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 a.m. PDT Sunday, Sept. 8, 2002

	Carolina Gutierrez of Sacramento displays her "matricula consular," an identification card issued by the Mexican Consulate. A U.S. citizen, she uses the card primarily when she travels to Mexico. Sacramento Bee/José M. Osorio

After her mother-in-law died in April, Carolina Gutierrez rushed to Mexico for the funeral.

But security at the border was a nightmare: Gutierrez had to remove her shoes and was detained briefly, while her husband had to unbutton his pants – all in the name of national security.

When the Gutierrezes returned to Mexico a month ago, they breezed through security.

The difference? Gutierrez, 58, credits a little green, white and red card about the size of a driver's license.

In July – between the two trips – she visited the Mexican Consulate in Sacramento to obtain a "matricula consular," an official Mexican identification card.

"It's my defense when I go to Mexico," said the North Sacramento resident. "It makes a big difference."

The card has become a hot commodity among Mexicans living in the United States, particularly since Sept. 11 magnified the need for official photo identification.

Through June 14 this year, the Mexican Consulate here issued more than 22,000 cards, a pace Consul Luis Enrique Castresana estimates will result in more than 50,000 being given out by year's end. Last year, the consulate issued 24,147 cards, up from 15,200 in 2000.

"Everyone needs to carry an accurate ID," he said as the waiting room outside his office buzzed with dozens of people hoping to obtain the cards.

In order to qualify for a card, Mexican nationals must provide a Mexican birth certificate, a picture ID, proof of a local address and a $29 fee.

Although Gutierrez is a U.S. citizen, immigration status has no bearing on whether people get a card. In fact, the card is even more valuable for undocumented Mexicans who may not have any other form of official identification.

It can be used to cross the border to visit Mexico and as a photo identification for airline travel. It also can be used when opening an account at some banks.

Gutierrez uses it primarily when she travels to Mexico, relying on her California picture identification when she's here.

The card gives her a sense of security when she is at the mercy of immigration officials.

"It makes me feel very, very safe," she said. "I'm a peaceful person, and I want them to know that I'm a peaceful person."