1.01.006_Matricula Consular CardPolicy #: 1.01.006
Type: City Council
. �•/_ Effective Date: 2003
4� Former Policy #: 490.09
CITY OF ROIINERT PARK I copy tw..
COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM TRANSMITTAL REPORT
Department: Public Safety
Submitted By: Dan R Murray, Lieutenant
(Name & Title)
Submittal Date: July 16, 2003
Agenda Title: Matricula Consular Card
* * *City Clerk Use Only * * *
Meeting Date: 7/22/03
Held Until:
Date of Action:
Deadline Date for:
Council Action:
Requested Council Action: Request that the City Council allow the use of the Matricula Consular Card
as a form of identification.
Summary:
The Matricula Consular Card is an identification card issued to Mexican Nationals who are illegal aliens
living and working in the United States. These cards are issued by the Mexican Consulate's Office
throughout the United States to illegal aliens, since they have no other source of obtaining any type of
official government identification.
This card has been given out by the Mexican Government since 1871 and became popular after
September 11, 2001. To obtain a Matricula Consular Card, an applicant must apply in person at a
Mexican Consulate Office with two forms of official documents from Mexico and proof of residency in
the United States. After two, in person, interviews, applicants are issued a Matricula Consular Card that
displays a photograph, signature, date of birth, and a control number. The photograph and signature of
the cardholder is digitally saved in the database to help prevent duplication.
The Matricula Consular Card would assist law enforcement officers in identifying victims and witnesses
to criminal activities. Law enforcement personnel would still have to verify the identity of cardholders
who are arrested by using the California Identification System, since there is no access to the Matricula
Consular Card database by law enforcement.
Request the City Council allow the use of the Matricula Consular Card as a form of identification.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION: O Consent Item ( egular Time
4wot
proval () Public Hearing Required
Recommended O Submitted with Comment O Policy Determination by Council
(4 -City Comments: I?`SCDURIO E; L4, -E66 4448 IS fit'DM (�Y4&1 IV ( l) -A4
RESOLUTION 2003-166
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
ALLOWING CITY EMPLOYEES TO ACCEPT MEXICAN MATRICULA CONSULAR DE ALTA
SEGURIDAD CARDS AS PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION, AND ENCOURAGING OTHER PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE ENTITIES TO DO THE SAME
WHEREAS, there are many Mexican Nationals residing in Sonoma County who conduct private and public
business in the city of Rohnert Park and contribute to its economy ; and
WHEREAS, many of these residents do not have a form of identification issued by any official agency of the
U.S. Government; and
WHEREAS, these immigrants lack access to certain public and business services because they do not have
identification; and
WHEREAS, the inability to identify individuals who are victims, witnesses, and suspects in crimes inhibits
local law enforcement officers' efficiency and effectiveness; and
WHEREAS, the Mexican government through its Consular's Office is willing and able to issue Mexican
identification cards called Matricula Consular de alta Seguridad, or MCAS to its citizens who reside in the U.S.; and
WHEREAS, these MCAS cards employ security features that inhibit duplication or forgery; and
WHEREAS, these MCAS cards are only issued upon proof of identity verified by at least two original source
documents and proof of U.S. residence for at least six months; and
WHEREAS, a Mexican citizen with the MCAS card will be able to identify themselves to local law
enforcement officers thereby facilitating efficient and effective interaction and processing; and
WHEREAS, Mexican citizens with the MCAS card will be more likely to cooperate with authorities and report
crimes to the police; and
WHEREAS, the MCAS card confers no special status, rights, or privileges other than the ability to assist
identifying oneself, and
WHEREAS, this is an important human dignity issue among the Hispanic community and the community at
large of our city.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Rolwert Park hereby allows
city employees to accept the MCAS card as a form of personal identification and encourages other private and l
entities to do the same.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 22nd day of July, 2003. "
ATTEST: CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
Dep Cit lerk T Mayor
MACKENZIE: AYE NORDIN: NO SPRADLIN: NO VIDAK-MARTINEZ: AYE FLORES: AYE
AYES: (3) NOES: (2) ABSENT: (0) ABSTAIN: (01