Mexican consulate planning visit to Janesville
If you go
What: Visit from the Mexican Consulate of Chicago to assist with passports and other identifying documents.
When: 12:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, and Friday, Jan. 30; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, and Sunday, Feb. 1.
Where: Rock County Job Center, 1900 Center Ave., Janesville.
Cost: $27 for general identification, $74 for a three-year passport and $101 for a six-year passport.
More information: For a list of necessary documents and other information, call YWCA of Rock County at (608) 752-5445 ext. 215 or 222 or visit www.consulmexchicago.com.
JANESVILLE — Mexican nationals who need official identification can avoid a trip to Chicago next weekend.
The Mexican Consulate of Chicago will visit the Rock County Job Center, 1900 Center Ave., Janesville, from Thursday, Jan. 29, to Sunday, Feb. 1, to help immigrants with passports and other ID.
"Basically, they're bringing the services they provide in Chicago to Rock County so people don't have to go to Chicago to obtain those … documents," said Evelyn Woodring, YWCA Immigrant Outreach Program director.
Immigrants have more need of passports since a law took effect requiring people to show passports when crossing the U.S.-Mexican border, Woodring said.
The consulate will issue two forms of ID, said Francisco Valdes, consul in charge of the mobile consulate: passports and Mexican identification cards, known as matriculas consulares.
Mexican IDs serve a purpose similar to American driver's licenses, he said.
"With this document, they can identify themselves for some services," he said. "If they want to open a bank account, or they need to go to court for any reason, or if they need to do any kind of arrangement in a public office, then they can have an ID provided by the Mexican government."
The consulate will issue same-day identification for residents who bring the proper paperwork, including photo identification and proof of residence, Woodring said. No appointments are necessary.
"I heard they're going to get it within an hour," she said.
The consulate will verify applicants' identities and addresses but not their legal standing in the United States, Valdes said.
The visit is sponsored by Blackhawk Community Credit Union and YWCA of Rock County with help from the Diversity Action Team, Hedberg Public Library, Pueblos Unidos and Jose Carrillo.
