BajaNomad - Working around the house

Working around the house

oldlady - 7-22-2007 at 10:48 AM

Husband and I want to "putter" on our new house if and when the contractor ever finishes it. Neighbor has advised us that since FM-3's do not allow us to work, legally there is virtually nothing we can do, need to hire a Mexican worker.
Same neighbor has advised that there are those in the area quick to make "denuncias" for any infraction.
So, anyone know if there is a website or document that defines what we are permitted to do?
Thanks,
old lady

Dave - 7-22-2007 at 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldlady
Husband and I want to "putter" on our new house if and when the contractor ever finishes it. Neighbor has advised us that since FM-3's do not allow us to work, legally there is virtually nothing we can do, need to hire a Mexican worker.
Same neighbor has advised that there are those in the area quick to make "denuncias" for any infraction.
So, anyone know if there is a website or document that defines what we are permitted to do?
Thanks,
old lady

You can work on your own property. Legally, there is virtually nothing you can't do.

Bob and Susan - 7-22-2007 at 10:57 AM

just don't open a business like dave :lol:

oldlady - 7-22-2007 at 10:58 AM

Thanks, Dave.....I'll unpack the tools!
oldlady

bajabound2005 - 7-22-2007 at 11:09 AM

If you own property here, you WANT to get an FM3.

Oops, read that wrong. I though it said you DIDN't have an FM3!

[Edited on 7-22-2007 by bajabound2005]

oldlady - 7-22-2007 at 11:12 AM

I have FM-3 and land and house "almost" done. First two were easy.
old lady

Marie-Rose - 7-22-2007 at 01:15 PM

Just curious...

...were these gringo neighbors or Mexican neighbors that gave this information?

oldlady - 7-22-2007 at 02:04 PM

Gringo neighbors.

comitan - 7-22-2007 at 02:27 PM

And you have to live with them. :no:

longlegsinlapaz - 7-22-2007 at 05:00 PM

You CAN work on your own place (AND MINE!!) :lol:

I'd be curious to know if the "denuncias" have been for doing work in & of itself; or doing it without proper permits & approvals, ad nauseaum! It wouldn't surprise me if PROFEPA has a stool pigeon on the unofficial payroll up in Lomas! They're apparently making a bundle in the area! :no:

I did a drive-by your place a couple weeks ago, looks like you'll be renting longer than planned! :no:

As will I! :no:

DENNIS - 7-22-2007 at 05:20 PM

That's right. longlegsinthebathroom and I, her friend, always agree on things like this.

Not necessarily

Dave - 7-22-2007 at 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
And you have to live with them. :no:

Make denuncias.

bajalou - 7-23-2007 at 07:46 AM

I'm with larry - work on your own and only supervise the neighbors. A friend almost deported for this when La Migra made one of their periodic sweeps.

Alan - 7-23-2007 at 07:42 PM

Way to go guys! Here some guy has a great scam going by convincing his wife that it is actually illegal for him to personally do all of her honey-do's and you guys go and blow it for him. Are you sure he still wants you for a neighbor now?

[Edited on 7-24-2007 by Alan]

Eli - 7-23-2007 at 09:01 PM

Things have changed I am sure, (or at least I sure hope so).

In the 1990's, I got busted; I was legal with an FM3, working papers for a few years when I was denounced by some of my competitors who were trying to form a syndicate that I, my partner, and workers refused to join.

Oh lord, that must have maybe 15 years ago, geez what a mess, the last people you want to be in a mess with is a syndicate. Anyway, due to much investigation on the part of immigration, we wound up having a few sit down conversations and I learned that they could read the lay of the law anyway they so chose to do so. I remember at one point, the head Jefe told me, that if he wanted me to lick his boots, I best plan to get down on my knees or get out of the country. Man, they were harsh and rude dudes to deal with back then, nothing like they are now. I hear they are real sweet pussy cats these days.

I remember a discussion with one of the under Jefes, and I asked him what was I allowed to do in my own company, or for that matter even my own home; He said only delegate, that was all, period. That as a foreigner I was here to provide opportunity for the nationals to work, and that was the only valid reason I had for being in this country, move money. I was not allowed to use a typewriter, no washing windows, no sweeping the floor, nada. He said I couldn't even bake cookies for my workers as a Friday afternoon treat if I wanted, and as that was my own home oven, well, I was flabbergasted, down right distraught.

Of course, after a couple of weeks, they went away for good. I went back to my typewriter and washing my dishes and baking cookies for my guys, but I will never forget the humiliation and fear that they struck into me. Although, I am happy to say that they never bothered me ever again. Of course, I wouldn't step foot in their offices ever again either, I gave my accountant power of attorney to handle all dealings with them ever after that.

I expect that now that is why I am a citizen. I can sell tamales on the street if I want to, I can be poor, I can have an opinion, or do something stupid and go to jail, but they can't throw me out. I don't have to report my whereabouts or what I am doing no more.

Now, Ol Lady, that is not meant as a scare story, but maybe an idea of where your neighbors are coming from in giving you their "advise". For sure, I don't believe immigration would have time or cause to bother you for hanging pictures on your walls or planting a tree in your yard. But I do believe that if they had a reason to, like you were some kind of undesirable, or angered the wrong people who were in a position of power, they would and could find away to throw you out.

I remember a line by my dear ol Dad, "In Mexico everything is against the law, it is just a matter if they want to enforce it or not".

[Edited on 7-24-2007 by Eli]

Don Jimmy

bajadave1 - 7-24-2007 at 05:52 AM

Eli,

Your dad was a wise man.

Dave

Eli - 7-24-2007 at 06:02 AM

Yes, he was Dave, yeas he was, bless his sweet soul.

oldlady - 7-24-2007 at 06:11 AM

First, thank you all for your replies and advice. I have been lurking on this board for 2 years and have found you to be a wonderful bunch, many of you have helped us without even knowing it!

longlegs, I think your conjecture about a pigeon is accurate, the frustration and disappointment in that section is growing and because of the "laws" regarding slander and/or libel, and our vulnerability to deportation, people are loathe to verbalize too much.

Finally, Eli, while Debbie Fields is much prettier than I, I make a pretty terrific chocolate chip cookie, which I will no longer deliver to the workers on our house (just to be well within a margin of safety....but YOU are welcome to stop in for one if La Casa Pesadilla is ever completed.

comitan - 7-24-2007 at 06:48 AM

One more comment, this has been going on for years, A couple of years ago I finally went to immigration about this, they told me its ok to work on your own house, that was good for me to know since I have been working on my house the last 13 years.

CaboRon - 7-24-2007 at 06:52 AM

Old Lady, Good Luck With Your Casa ... CaboRon

oldlady - 7-24-2007 at 07:06 AM

Thanks, Ron, only reason I think this thing will be fine is that my husband knows how to build a house and I am a hideously stubborn broad.

Bob and Susan - 7-24-2007 at 08:13 AM

for us "simpletons"....
Definition: lusciously=

romantic and emotional:
written in a dramatic and romantic style with a strong appeal to the emotions and senses

desirable:
very desirable physically, especially with a strong and direct sexual presence

toneart - 7-24-2007 at 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
romantic and emotional:
written in a dramatic and romantic style with a strong appeal to the emotions and senses

Call me crazy, but some word combinations have mouth feel like a ripe mango... :lol:

--Larry

How is it that some can obtain mouth feels like a ripe mango (what great imagery, Larry), whereas the best I can squeeze out have all the scintillation of a lemon? :coolup:

longlegsinlapaz - 7-24-2007 at 11:20 AM

Lencho & bajalou.....I was JOKING, as I expected (mistaken again I see!) the :lol:

at the end of the comment that they could work on mine, would indicate!! :lol:

bajalou - 7-24-2007 at 11:31 AM

I knew you were joking, but lots of people think they can help a neighbor work on his place without pay and it's OK. Just reminding them it's not OK.

Eli - 7-26-2007 at 02:47 PM

Ay, OldLady, por favor don't stop making chacochip cookies for your workers on account of what I said. If it is just plain getting to hot to turn on the oven that is another matter.

Which reminds me, (oh boy, just how off topic can I get), I am freezen my buns off about now, sitting here in a sweat shirt and wooly socks. If I had an oven, it would be perfect baking weather, buurrrrrrrrr!

Hope someday I can take you up on those cookies, I am a sucker for chacochip cookies! Hasta Entonces, Sara

oldlady - 7-26-2007 at 02:54 PM

Actually. it is about the oven...to warm now.
I can whip those puppies up in less than half an hour start to finish...just stop by and sip on whatever while you wait, Sara.