The Associated Press

GOSHEN, Ind. - More than 2,000 Hispanic residents of Elkhart County received identification cards from the Mexican Consulate this week that are designed to help them more easily open bank accounts, get driver's licenses and apply for credit.

"It's a great tool to allow people to integrate into the community better," said Goshen Mayor Alan Kauffman, though he and others said official acceptance of the ID should begin at the state level.

The regional Mexican consulate, which moved its headquarters from Chicago to Indianapolis last month, has been traveling throughout a four-state area since March to provide the cards to Mexican nationals.

Consulate official Juan Matus said the cards are issued to Mexican nationals living in America only if the residents have the proper documentation, including an original birth certificate and a photo passport or border certificate.

While this is the first time the Mexican Consulate has been in Goshen, Mr. Matus said it will regularly visit northern Indiana to provide services to the local Hispanic population.

Alex Lino, a local real-estate agent and spokesman for the Mega Plaza, which is home to several Hispanic businesses, said having the ID cards will open doors for the Hispanic community.

Several banks set up booths at Mega Plaza this week to market their services.

"We think this is great," said Anthony Douglas, assistant vice president of Key Bank. "It gives us the opportunity to bring our services to a market that is relatively untapped."

Mr. Matus said the Mexican ID cards have been accepted as legal identification in 27 cities across the United States.

They are not yet official in Indianapolis, but Mr. Matus said the process to get that accomplished is under way.

Goshen Police Chief Terry Schollian questioned whether his city approving the cards would make a difference if the surrounding cities or counties do not.

He thinks a mandate needs to come from the state.

"If the state recognizes it, we all will," Chief Schollian said.

Mr. Matus said the consulate is hoping communities with large Hispanic populations, such as Elkhart and Goshen, will adopt it on their own, which could inspire the state to follow suit.