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With two children and a wife, hiring them wasn't an option.
But Hallock never loses sleep over his family's safety with the Mexican men he employs, whom he describes as hard workers with old-fashioned values.
"Unbelievably reliable," he said. "I don't ever have to worry."
Hallock brought these employees to Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical on Wednesday to get matrículas from a mobile unit of the Consulate General of Mexico. The photo identification cards are becoming the primary form of ID for Mexican nationals in the United States.
Unlike Spanish forms of ID they might bring from Mexico, one of many things matrículas enable nationals to do is open bank accounts. This eliminates costly check-cashing charges and large fees for wiring money to Mexico, said Autumn Herber of Wells Fargo, who sponsored the consulate's visit.
"It opens so many doors for them," she said.
Joyce Stellick, who helped arrange the visit, expects thousands of people to come to Winona this weekend for cards, passports or military IDs. Last year, 1,800 matrículas and 500 passports were handed out.
The matrícula also allows people to get a Wisconsin driver's license, which is why Hallock brought his workers, who rely on others for transportation.
"They have time to go other
places and they can't," he said. "Getting this is the first step."
However, Hallock said his workers wouldn't have come without him.
Mexicans are often nervous about visiting the consulate, intimidated by the legal process and fearful of screwing something up and not getting their matrícula, said Kristina Perez, a Saint Mary's student helping at the event. The university hosted the Mexican consolate at a dinner Wednesday.
In order to get the matrícula, they must provide certain documents. Perez said the most common hurdle is what two of Hallock's employees experienced: proving U.S. residency.
With no bills in their name or mail from Mexico, two of Hallock's workers were up a creek, and he signed a notarized letter to vouch they lived on his property.
"How many come to work on a ranch and subscribe to Vogue?" Perez asked.
If you go
What: The Consulate General of Mexico visit
When: Today through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, Tandeski Center, 1250 Homer Road
For a matricula
Proof of Mexican nationality such as a birth certificate or passport.
Proof of identity with documents issued by Mexican or U.S. authorities such as a military service ID or driver's license.
Proof of current U.S. residence such as a utility or phone bill.
$26 fee for matricula
For information on requirements for these documents, call the Mexican Consulate at 312-855-1380 or visit www.consulmexchicago.com.
Freedom ride
Hispanic leaders are traveling the state to unite immigrant workers and allies and to educate Minnesotans about issues facing Hispanic residents.
The ride begins at Southeast Technical at 3 p.m. today and will head to Rochester and other Minnesota cities before ending at 4 p.m. Monday at the Government Plaza, Third Avenue and Sixth Street, in Minneapolis with a rally for immigrant rights.
