The Mexican Consulate in Chicago set up its mobile unit in Peoria this week.
On Thurs., 20 people arrived around 10:00am for appointments with the mobile consulate. Facilitators set up registration desks inside the gathering space at First United Methodist Church, on Main St.
Most people waiting in line had appointments to renew their matrículas, orgovernment-issued ID cards. They're used to prove national identity and can also be obtained for dual citizenship. For those living in the U-S illegally, amatrícula can also be used to obtain a driver’s license in 12 states, including Illinois.
First United parishioner Karina Arevalo greeted and welcomed people as they arrived for appointments with the consulate.
“You could say, they’re trying to make themselves as legal as possible,” Arevalo said.
“Sí, la mayoría, está tratando de estar en lo que se podría decir, lo más legal possible,” dijo Arevalo.
A husband and wife waiting for their appointment said they’re doing everything in their power to feel more secure. In this instance: having their paperwork in order if they’re deported.
They asked not to be recorded but said they moved to the US in 2003. The husband works seasonal farming jobs, currently harvesting pumpkin for Libby’s.