Supervisors approve Matricula Consular Resolution

From the Office of Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval

June 28, 2006

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved this afternoon the Matricula Consular Resolution introduced by Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval and co-sponsored by Supervisors Mirkarimi, McGoldrick, Daly and Peskins.

The Matricula Consular Resolutions urges California Congressional Delegation to oppose the on going efforts by Representative John Culberson (R-Texas) to prevent cities from accepting identification cards issued by other countries, such as the "Matricula Consular."

Rep. Culberson recently introduced an amendment to the FY'07 Transportation, Treasury Housing, and Urban Development Bill in the Appropriations Committee prohibiting the use of photo identification cards issued by other countries as a valid form of identification.

"We are reaffirming our commitment to immigrants," said Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval. "It is time that San Francisco speaks up in support of the immigrant community."

The Matricula Consular Resolutions reaffirms the Matricula Ordinance, which requires City departments to accept photo identification cards issued by other countries. Supervisor Sandoval sponsored the measure, which the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed in 2002. The Matricula Consular and other country identification cards are for identification purposes only, and cannot be used to obtain citizenship, to obtain public benefits or to vote.

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