Number: RL32094
Title: Consular Identification Cards: Domestic and Foreign Policy Implications, the Mexican Case, and Related Legislation
Authors: Andorra Bruno, Domestic Social Policy Division; and K. Larry Storrs, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: It is fairly common practice for the embassies and consulates of foreign states, including the United States, to encourage their citizens abroad to register with the consulates so that they can receive standard consular services, be notified if necessary, and be located upon inquiry by relatives and authorities. Consular registration has been widely recognized and protected under international law for many years, most recently by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963. The current debate about consular identification cards in the United States has centered around the matrícula consular, the consular card issued by the Mexican government to its citizens in the United States when they register with a consulate. As a result, this report focuses mainly on the Mexican identification card, although Guatemala, Ecuador, and Brazil also issue such cards, and other nations, including El Salvador, Honduras, Peru, and Poland, are reportedly considering similar programs. Legislation introduced in the 108th and 109th Congresses, discussed in this report, would generally apply to consular identification cards from any country.
Pages: 18
Date: May 26, 2005