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Houston councilwoman takes up fight for immigrant ID cards

ABC13 Eyewitness News (7/28/03 - HOUSTON)

KTRK-TV -- Houston

A Houston city councilwoman has taken up a fight against the US House of Representatives to help immigrants keep using a crucial identification card.

Today on the steps of Houston City Hall, Councilwoman Carol Alvarado held a press conference asking Houstonians to vote against changing the uses of consular identification cards. Immigrants use the ID, referred to as a matricula card, to open accounts in local banks.

The House has approved an amendment allowing the government the power to have consulates ban these cards at any time.

"It certainly hinders the immigrant Mexican community that wants to participate in the economy," said Alvarado. "They want to have bank accounts, checking accounts. This makes it a lot easier for them to be able to do that."

To have your voice heard on this issue, click here. (Copyright © 2003, ABC13 Eyewitness News)