LINCOLN, Nebraska Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns said Wednesday during a visit to Mexico that he would not support recognition of Mexican consular identity cards for migrants because they pose a security threat. Johanns discussed use of the cards during a meeting Monday with President Vicente Fox, who has been pushing for the United States to allow the cards. But during a telephone interview from Guadalajara, Mexico on Wednesday, Johanns said such cards could be used to circumvent immigration laws.
"It's not something I've supported," Johanns said.
Earlier this month, Fox pledged to fight to defend the consular identity cards against proposals in the U.S. congress to limit their use in applying for government services.
Opponents say the cards are too fraud-prone and pose a risk to homeland security, and represent a de facto amnesty for illegal immigrants. Supporters say prohibiting the use of the cards would be anti-immigrant and anti-Hispanic.
The card is issued by Mexico's consulates to its citizens living abroad and shows the date of birth, a current photograph and address; it is used by undocumented migrants to open bank accounts, turn on utilities, check out library books, get drivers' licenses.
Johanns and a 21-member trade delegation from Nebraska are meeting with Fox and other Mexican officials about lifting Mexico's ban on some U.S. beef.
Mexico imposed the ban after a case of mad cow disease was reported in the United States, and it partially lifted the ban earlier this year. Johanns said he will push for the ban to be lifted completely.
