CUNA: CUs' Acceptance of Matricula a Matter of Choice

I was glad to see Mike Welch after careful consideration come around to recognize the value of Matricula Consular cards as a form of valid identification for non-U.S. citizens. In posing questions to readers at the end of his column, however, his statement of CUNA's position on the issue is open to misinterpretation ("Are Matricula Consular Cards Good or Bad," Sept. 17). To be clear: CUNA has taken the position that credit unions should be able to decide for themselves whether to accept Matricula or similar consular identification cards and that the government should not mandate this decision. We recognize that there are concerns about Matricula and whether photocopying would enhance the government's ability to police terrorists. These concerns must be not be dismissed lightly. However, they can be addressed, for example, by providing voluntary guidelines to institutions that choose to accept Matricula. On balance, as Mike notes, acceptance of Matricula will enable credit unions to provide affordable financial services to people who in many cases are working diligently to make a better life for themselves and their families. CUNA along with many credit unions and leagues made this argument to Treasury when it recently asked for comment on whether to revise the USA Patriot Act rules to prohibit acceptance of Matricula Consular cards. Given our position, we were very pleased to see these comments clearly had an impact in convincing Treasury to leave its existing rules intact. Dan Mica President/CEO CUNA & Affiliates Washington, D.C.