Mexican nationals are getting new help with banking
Monday, Nov. 19, 2001 | 9:08 a.m.
Tens of thousands of Mexican nationals in Las Vegas will now be able to open savings and checking accounts. Two banks have moved to accept Mexican identification cards as proof of identity.
Wells Fargo and US Bank have announced that they will accept the photo ID issued by the Mexican government, either in Mexico or at consulates in the United States. That makes it possible for immigrants here on temporary work visas or undocumented immigrants to open accounts.
Wells Fargo has 108 branches in Nevada, 65 of which are in Las Vegas; US Bank has 41 branches statewide, 24 in Las Vegas. "This decision shows the importance of the Latino community to us in the banking community," Keith Lobis, community bank president for Wells Fargo in Las Vegas, said.
The Hispanic population of Nevada is 393,970 according to 2000 Census, or 19.7 percent of the total population. About 72 percent of that Hispanic population is Mexican, thousands of whom would be able to take advantage of the new policy.
"This is positive and shows that corporations in general are trying to find ways to cater to the Hispanic population," said Rick Dovalina, board member of the Washington-based Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility.
"At the same time, it also helps immigrants become integrated into the financial system, which then helps them to develop a credit history, buy houses and build a life here."
The association estimates that Hispanic purchasing power in Nevada has grown from $1.3 billion in 1990 to $5 billion in 2000.
"We have been turning away 15 to 20 people a week in my branch alone due to a lack of ID," said Maritza Smith, North Las Vegas branch manager for US Bank.
"Now we're getting calls from many of the same people who want to come back and open accounts, " she said.
The policy resulted from meetings between Mexican consular offices and members of the banking community in California, Oregon and Washington to overcome an obstacle facing the Mexican work force -- they couldn't open bank accounts and were stuck with large amounts of cash.
Under the new policy, Mexicans can open accounts with the consular ID, some second form of ID such as a credit card or passport, and a Social Security card or individual taxpayer-identification number. If lacking the proper supporting ID, they can use an IRS form for foreigners.
"This should make it easier for many more families in Nevada to become financially independent," Lobis said.
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- Corrections officer with Metro killed in U.S. 95 crash
- System fails to catch contractor’s family tie with county
- Where to watch UFC 106
- The pull of a drug, a push to the brink
- Findlay guard Joseph scores 33, talks about UNLV
- UNLV and Southern Illinois will be guarded tonight
- Bishop Gorman takes Sunset Region title in win over Cimarron
- Fighters make weight, Dana White talks Rampage/Rashad
- Basic’s magical season continues with trip to state semifinals
- Reid clears major health care hurdle, daunting weeks ahead
Blogs
Culture and Entertainment
UFC 106 walk-in music: Griffin changes his tune, secures win over Ortiz
The Kats Report
For props, Lewis Black needs only his manic delivery and torrid material (7 Comments)
Elsewhere
Sands China raises $2.5 billion in Hong Kong IPO (2 Comments)
Marquardt v. Sonnen scheduled for UFC 109
Bloggity, Bloggity, Bloggity
Will a fourth consecutive title by Jimmie Johnson be good or bad for NASCAR? (4 Comments)
Top Chef: Las Vegas
The Jet Stream: And then there were four
Top Chef Episode 12: On keeping it simple
- Live chat
- Tuesday, noon PST
- Chat with Krista Creelman
- Problem Gambling Center executive director Krista Creelman will answer questions about gambling addiction from Las Vegas Sun readers from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. ... Submit question
Calendar »
- 22 Sun
- 23 Mon
- 24 Tue
- 25 Wed
- 26 Thu
-
The Four Tops at The Orleans Showroom
Orleans Hotel-Casino
-
The Chase at Downtown Cocktail Room
Downtown Cocktail Room | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
Lady Gaga album release party at Revolution Lounge
Beatles Revolution Lounge | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
Food drive at Christian Audigier
Christian Audigier The Nightclub | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
Above & Beyond at Moon
Moon Nightclub | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati













Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.
Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Full comments policy.