Gilbert, AZ Commission Told to Not Support ID Cards

The commission unanimously voted after nearly three hours of passionate debate between card opponents and supporters to hold a special meeting March 31 to decide whether to reaffirm or withdraw its recommendation to the Town Council.

The commission wants Gilbert to join other East Valley cities by officially recognizing the card, but Gilbert Mayor Steve Berman last month did not allow the commission to address the council and said it should first hear an opposing viewpoint.

The Matricula Consular is issued by the Mexican Consul to Mexican citizens living abroad without checking immigration status. Supporters say the cards give residents a sense of dignity, helps them establish bank accounts and make them feel more comfortable around police. Opponents say the cards are not verifiable, easy to forge and provide undocumented immigrants access to government services and benefits.

“If you are in the country legally, there’s no reason to have this card,” said state Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, who was joined by Reps. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, and Karen Johnson, R-Mesa, and state Sen. Thayer Verschoor, R-Gilbert.

The legislators are all supporters of Protect Arizona NOW, which is hoping to place the Arizona Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act on the November ballot. The initiative would require photo identification to vote and proof of legal residency to obtain state and local government services.

Berman said there is no reason for Gilbert to officially recognize the card because the town does not require photo identification for any town service.