FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 15, 2008
HELP SAVE MARYLAND ANNOUNCES A STATE-WIDE BOYCOTT OF ALL CHEVY CHASE BANK BRANCHES AND SERVICES
Media Contact –240-447-1884, or e-mail HelpSaveMaryland@yahoogroups.com
Website – www.HelpSaveMaryland.com
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND: Help Save Maryland, a grass roots, multi-ethnic citizens’ organization fighting to eliminate the use of tax-dollars on programs and services for illegal aliens in Maryland, today announced a state-wide boycott of all Chevy Chase Bank Branches and Financial Services. Recent actions by Chevy Chase Bank has raised serious questions about the future direction of this once citizen focused banking institution.
In late June 2008, Chevy Chase Bank made a calculated public decision to provide banking services to a select group of Hispanic illegal aliens from Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador. Instead of requiring Social Security numbers, Green Cards or other U.S. Government provided identification, and in lieu of a valid foreign passport or driver’s license, Chevy Chase Bank is relying on questionable foreign government provided “national identification cards”:
“Matricula Consular” – Mexico
“Identificacion Consular” – Guatemala
“Documento Unico de Identidad” – El Salvador
Enrique Carillo, Director of Hispanic Banking for Chevy Chase Bank stated in a WJLA TV-7 interview that the bank has done extensive studies on the foreign embassy issued ID’s. “In fact, these cards are more secure than a driver’s license you would obtain in Maryland, Virginia or even DC”. Help Save Maryland notes that federal, state and most local law enforcement authorities (other than the nuclear-free-zone of Takoma Park) do not accept these foreign government issued cards for identification purposes.
The assurances of Chevy Chase Bank’s, Customer Service Center also have a hollow ring -- “As a federally chartered institution, we take seriously our obligation to serve all customers who meet our eligibility requirements. Please be assured that all individuals who wish to open a new account must meet requirements that are fully compliant with the U.S. Patriot Act and other applicable laws. To discriminate on the basis of national origin would be both illegal and unfair.”
The reality is that Chevy Chase Bank has no way of knowing who these aliens are – their true identities and nationalities, criminal histories, and potential connection with criminal organizations or violent gangs.
The decision by Chevy Chase Bank to provide banking services to select Hispanic illegal aliens further compounds the “Sanctuary State” policies of Governor Martin O’Malley and Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett. Bank accounts, like Maryland provided drivers’ licenses and related voter registration opportunities, act as a powerful magnet and welcome mat for attracting illegal aliens to our state. Left unchecked, Chevy Chase Bank’s new policy will further add to overcrowded schools, financially burdened hospitals, increased crime and gang problems and overwhelming demands for social services.
Help Save Maryland members and other law-abiding citizens across the state are being asked to terminate their Chevy Chase Bank credit cards, checking and savings accounts, loans and other services. There are many banks in Maryland to choose from (Bank of America runs a similar program and is not recommended). See www.bankofamericaboycott.com/banklist/index.shtml for suggestions.
It is recommended that citizens setup their replacement banking services with an institution that does not support illegal aliens before they terminate their Chevy Chase Bank accounts. Citizens are also requested to keep Help Save Maryland apprised of their banking modifications in an effort to calculate the impact on Chevy Chase Bank.
“I terminated my 18-year home equity relationship with Chevy Chase Bank for my local Commerce Bank” stated Brad Botwin, Director, Help Save Maryland. “I was pleased to have Commerce Bank staff request and verify my Social Security number and driver’s license. I feel good knowing my personal banking decision will protect my finances and help my community fight the economic and social problems associated with illegal immigration.”
Join Help Save Maryland in the fight against Chevy Chase Bank and illegal immigration in Maryland!
Help Save Maryland, with members in 18 Maryland Counties and Baltimore City, welcomes as members all U.S. citizens and legal residents of any ethnic heritage who believe that the presence of illegal aliens in Maryland poses an unacceptable economic burden and physical threat to our communities and families, and must be opposed in a manner consistent with the law and due respect for the inherent worth of all individuals.