Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Saturday, July 05, 2008

Mexican Consulate to open temporary Madison office

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Officials from the Chicago-based office of the Mexican Consulate will set up their temporary office in Madison for five days next week.

More than 1,000 people have signed up for appointments when the field office opens from Wednesday to Sunday.

One service it provides lets Mexican nationals get what’s called a consular identification card, which is often helpful to open bank accounts or rent apartments in this country.

To qualify, a person must provide proof of Mexican citizenship, proof of identity and U.S. address.

Critics say the consular ID cards aren’t valid forms of U.S. ID but are increasingly treated that way. Some say the cards make it easier for illegal immigrants to stay in this country.

But supporters say the cards are vital for migrant workers who are here legally.

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