Regional Mexican Consulate busy spotMore Mexicans turn to Raleigh office to get documents they need By Schuyler Kropf (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Mexican Consulate in Raleigh, which oversees Mexicans living in the Carolinas, reports its citizens have been scrambling for documents because of concern over stricter identification requirements for work, travel or a possible quick return home. The Raleigh office is processing more than 3,000 passports a month, nearly five times the average from three years ago. The Mexican Consulate serves an estimated 600,000 Mexicans, most of whom live in North Carolina. A local Latino advocate said the paper rush is to be expected, given the South Carolina Legislature's recent crackdown on immigration. "People are taking extra precautions, just in case, so it should not be a surprise," said Diana Salazar, of the Latinos Association of Charleston. "I think people are just more concerned because they don't know how far the governor and the state of South Carolina is going to push this." South Carolina this year became at least the fifth state in the nation to adopt a broad and tough illegal immigration reform package. Among its provisions are additional penalties for ID fraud, a stipulation that fired U.S. citizens can sue their former bosses if they're replaced by illegal workers, and the outlawing of so-called "sanctuary cities" where local governments set up conditions favorable to illegal workers. One of the most popular paperwork requests is for passports, since a visit to Raleigh is much simpler than returning to Mexico to get a new one or a replacement. Rodrigo Pintado, who heads the Mexican government's documentation division in Raleigh, also said birth registrations have soared, from 28 a month in 2005 to 300 a month. A main factor is that parents are trying to secure dual citizenship for children. Pintado said the increase in requests is driven by requirements to have passports for international flights and identification to renew driver's licenses, along with fear of deportation as local police and prosecutors team with federal immigration officials. Since 2007, U.S. flights to and from Mexico and Canada have required a passport, and new South Carolina law authorizes the State Law Enforcement Division to reach a deal with federal agencies for the enforcement of immigration laws. The Raleigh consulate is the third-fastest growing of the 48 Mexican consulates in the U.S., media reports indicate, with more than 15,000 passports issued since January, statistics show. Only the New York and Philadelphia offices are growing faster, reports say. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551. |
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Comments
This article has 9 comment(s)
Posted by Early on June 24, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, well, well, it seems to be working.
600,000 Mexicans in NC alone. Folks that's more than the area in which we live Think of it, that you travel around the area and it would be 100% Mexicans. Still we have the bleeding heart club.
Posted by RTC on June 24, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"People are taking extra precautions, just in case, so it should not be a surprise," said Diana Salazar, of the Latinos Association of Charleston. "I think people are just more concerned because they don't know how far the governor and the state of South Carolina is going to push this."
I hope they push this to the max, and don't stop pushing.
Posted by drp7773 on June 24, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder how many illegals are getting illegals paperwork with the help of this club. Me thinks this would be a good place to round up some illegals and send their butts back to medico and check these people out that work here and see if what they are doing is all legal....
Posted by Jane on June 24, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How nice. The Mexican consulate is helping illegals get paperwork. Classic. They are also pumping out more anchor babies paid for by the US taxpayer. Nice. We continue to pay for our own dispossession and we are supposed to grin and bear it. Speak out against it? Why you are called bigots and racists.
www.outragedpatiots.com
www.numbersusa.com
www.immigrationcounters.com
Posted by wpc3iop on June 24, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like a good place to round up some illegals...SEND THEM ALL BACK TO MEXICO!!!!
Posted by Jane on June 24, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oops! www.outragedpatriots.com
Posted by preachlove on June 24, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here we go again. The only way this issue will be resolved is for businesses to be held accountable. That's not happening and I doubt any law created would ever be fully enforced. After all, it's all politics.
Posted by charlene68 on June 25, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me share what I saw Saturday..... I saw a Goose Creek Police car being washed by about 10 mexicans at the college park car wash. I actually turned around and took a picture with my cell phone... I wonder if he checked to see if they had a green card first ? obviously he did not so oops !!!! he broke the law,, I hope he is arrested for it . I even actually have the car number ... maybe I should turn it in what do you think ?
Posted by mcdian on June 25, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Time to start puting in the paperwork and phone calls. Also contact the health department on the over crouding of buildings. when you have too many people residing in a house or building, that creates a fire hazard as well as a health hazard.
Here is a number you can call as well as all the government officials.
Sra Diana Salazar Notaria
(843) 225-5550
5847 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418