BajaNomad - US Consulate in TJ stopping immigration services

US Consulate in TJ stopping immigration services

fulano - 6-17-2008 at 07:40 PM

Couldn't find an article in English, but this says the US Consulate in TJ will not longer offer U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services-USCIS after June 19, 2008. It says after that date those services will be handled out of Mexico City.

http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/17062...

CaboRon - 6-17-2008 at 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fulano
Couldn't find an article in English, but this says the US Consulate in TJ will not longer offer U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services-USCIS after June 19, 2008. It says after that date those services will be handled out of Mexico City.

http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/17062...

It really is like the wild west.... I presume the government officials refuse assignment to this outlaw territory.

CAboRon

toneart - 6-17-2008 at 07:42 PM

Do you think it is an economic downsizing or do you think it is due to the violence?

Or..a third possibility.....a political move to make immigration more difficult for Mexicans?

[Edited on 6-18-2008 by toneart]

CaboRon - 6-17-2008 at 07:48 PM

I think they are bailing !!!!

fulano - 6-17-2008 at 07:54 PM

I don't know what the issue is with the consulate closing down some services, I'll look around some more. In the meantime, here is a surprisingly well-balanced article on TJ with some insights into what is happening to the Mexicans -- and Americans -- who depend on the tourism.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06...

There's and old saying: "If you keep throwing turds into the punchbowl, after awhile nobody comes to your party."

shari - 6-17-2008 at 08:03 PM

Whoa, this is very bad news for mexicans here who need to get visas to go to the states, or through the states to Canada. It was nearly impossible to even GET a visa and prohibitively expensive as well but very few people will be able to go to Mexico City just to apply for a tourist visa...this is very very bad.

DENNIS - 6-17-2008 at 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fulano
There's and old saying: "If you keep throwing turds into the punchbowl, after awhile nobody comes to your party."

You made that up, huh. It's pretty good though.

Aventurera - 6-17-2008 at 08:43 PM

It doesn't seem that it will affect Mexican citizens, just you guys who live in Mexico. After all, visas are given in several cities, including Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and el DF among others.

Here's a quick translation of the article:

"The General Consulate of the United States reports that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), situated within this consulate, will stop offering its services for an indefinite period of time starting June 19th of this year.

The USCIS office, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, had under its responsibility all of the Immigration Benefits Applications submitted by American citizens living legally in the following states: Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora and Sinaloa.

Starting June 19, 2008, the jurisdiction previously in charge of the USCIS office in Tijuana will become part of the jurisdiction of Mexico City.

American citizens who live in Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora or Sinaloa can consult the following site (www.USCIS.gov) for more information on how to submit a petition."

[Edited on 6-18-2008 by Aventurera]

toneart - 6-17-2008 at 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aventurera
It doesn't seem that it will affect Mexican citizens, just you guys who live in Mexico. After all, visas are given in several cities, including Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and el DF among others.

Here's a quick translation of the article:

"The General Consulate of the United States reports that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), situated within this consulate, will stop offering its services for an indefinite period of time starting June 19th of this year.

The USCIS office, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, had under its responsibility all of the Immigration Benefits Applications submitted by American citizens living legally in the following states: Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora and Sinaloa.

Starting June 19, 2008, the jurisdiction previously in charge of the USCIS office in Tijuana will become part of the jurisdiction of Mexico City.

American citizens who live in Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora or Sinaloa can consult the following site (www.USCIS.gov) for more information on how to submit a petition."

[Edited on 6-18-2008 by Aventurera]

I don't get it. How does Homeland Security affect Americans living in Baja? They don't issue visas to us. :?:

Aventurera - 6-17-2008 at 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
I don't get it. How does Homeland Security affect Americans living in Baja? They don't issue visas to us. :?:

I have no idea, but that's what it says. :?:

I'll go look at the website they listed and report back if I discover anything more.

Aventurera - 6-17-2008 at 09:03 PM

Voila...I guess it has more to do with Mexicans who have gained U.S. citizenship. This is from the website:

"Overseas Offices provide limited services to U.S. Citizens, permanent residents of the U.S. and certain other persons who are visiting or residing outside the United States who need assistance in immigration matters. These services include:

Abandonment of Alien Status as a Lawful Permanent Resident (Form I-407): The abandonment of lawful permanent resident status is irrevocable. An individual who relinquishes lawful permanent resident status must qualify again for such status. Therefore, one should give careful thought to abandoning lawful permanent resident status.

Adoptions (Forms I-600 and I-600A): For U.S. citizens residing outside the United States who wish to adopt an orphan and file a Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative (Form I-600) and Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition (Form I-600A) at the Overseas Office.

For specific information on international adoptions and procedures please see the State Department website and our Fact Sheet How Do I Bring a Foreign-Born Orphan to the United States?

Immediate Relative Immigrant Petitions (Form I-130): For U.S. citizens residing outside the United States who wish to file a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) for certain immediate relatives."

Iflyfish - 6-17-2008 at 11:36 PM

Tone, as to your first post, door number three. Keep 'em out! They are taking our jobs, social services, beautiful woman, all the good tacos, all the luxery condos, yadada yadada yadada. They are removing those offensive statements from the Statue of Liberty...a Frenchie gift to us anyway.

Iflyfish

CaboRon - 6-18-2008 at 06:44 AM

Any news about the US Consular Services in Cabo San Lucas?

If they closed that office then it would really be a drag.

CaboRon

rhintransit - 6-18-2008 at 06:52 AM

the American Consul Service provided services to Americans living in Baja CA. (I have no idea what, if anything, they do for Mexicans). one major service is/was the issuance and renewal of US passports, which is now not going to be available, except, I suppose, through Mexico City. they also had an American notary in the Cabo branch, who, for a sizeable fee, would notarize documents.

many of us in the cruising community used their services, out of a satellite office in Cabo, which also provided monthly visits to La Paz. (these are no more) I renewed my passport there (La Paz) last July, picking up the completed document there in August. I was told it was processed in Tijuana. as I commented to my friends at the time, Homeland Security would have been VERY concerned at the casual proceedings! a consular agent would show up with a briefcase at The Dock restaurant in Marina de La Paz and conduct business surrounded by Americans who had heard he was coming but knew not what to expect in the semi dark with a musical group performing loudly a table or two away. the security was non existant and the confusion great but I was glad to get my passport without a trip to the states during the time that processing time was 8-12 weeks.

Quote:

Originally posted by Aventurera

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
I don't get it. How does Homeland Security affect Americans living in Baja? They don't issue visas to us. :?:

I have no idea, but that's what it says. :?:

I'll go look at the website they listed and report back if I discover anything more.

CaboRon - 6-18-2008 at 06:59 AM

Rhintransit,

Could you clarify ??? You seem to have implied that the CSL office would be closed. Did I read you right. I did gleen that the monthly trips to The Dock in La Paz were done.
My question is about the CSL office.

Thanks,
CaboRon

rhintransit - 6-18-2008 at 07:52 AM

I can't speak personally to the situation in Cabo. I do know the La Paz 'branch' is closed indefinitely. it was my understanding, which could be wrong, that the Cabo branch was a service from the Tijuana office. anyone from Cabo with personal knowledge?

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboRon
Rhintransit,

Could you clarify ??? You seem to have implied that the CSL office would be closed. Did I read you right. I did gleen that the monthly trips to The Dock in La Paz were done.
My question is about the CSL office.

Thanks,
CaboRon

shari - 6-18-2008 at 08:10 AM

This WILL affect thousands of mexicanos in 4 large states because to get a tourist visa, even if you just want to go shopping for a day or visit a relative or go to a relatives funeral, visit your brother in a hospital etc.etc....you have to make an appointment a month in advance...pay a hundred US dollars (just tomake the appointment) go to the US consulate office in TJ, stand in line, spend the whole day there waiting to MAYBE get a visa (a huge majority DONT get them). So picture this...your father livining in san diego is dying...you are a good hardworking mexican...but still pretty poor...now how are you gonna afford to go to Mexico City just to get a visa to visit your poor papa in hospital. This hugely affects mexicans who want/need to get to the states or through it....thousands of mexicans every week go to the US consulate to beg for a visa...many of them are legit people just wanting to either visit a friend or relative or see the great U S of A....all you have to do to go fill up your tank with deisel is drive across the border...how fair is THAT???
I don't think most people have any idea how nearly impossible it is to get a tourist visa...it sucks...I know because my husband and daughter had to go through it...the only reason they got it was because we went as a family and the agent talked only to me...and we were only passing through the states to get on a plane to canada...but imagine if Sirenitas grandpa died and we had to get to the funeral...we'd have to go to Mexico City first....geeeeez Louiiiiiiise

CaboRon - 6-18-2008 at 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rhintransit
I can't speak personally to the situation in Cabo. I do know the La Paz 'branch' is closed indefinitely. it was my understanding, which could be wrong, that the Cabo branch was a service from the Tijuana office. anyone from Cabo with personal knowledge?

Quote:

What I do know is that the guy at The Dock came from the CSL office.

CaboRon

DianaT - 6-18-2008 at 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
This WILL affect thousands of mexicanos in 4 large states because to get a tourist visa, even if you just want to go shopping for a day

Since the article mentions US citizen services, are you sure they will quit issuing the visas for Mexicans?

There are a lot of businesses on the US side that depend on Mexican shoppers, a lot of children from Mexico attending school in the US---legally, and illegally, etc.

Just can't imagine they would suddenly require a trip to Mexico City to get a visa or a renewal of a visa-----but then again, can't believe a lot of things that happen.

Woooosh - 6-18-2008 at 09:46 AM

The Union Tribune article said he office was only open a few days a month and referred most people that showed up to the US Governments website. No loss.

Aventurera - 6-18-2008 at 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
This WILL affect thousands of mexicanos in 4 large states because to get a tourist visa, even if you just want to go shopping for a day or visit a relative or go to a relatives funeral, visit your brother in a hospital etc.etc....you have to make an appointment a month in advance...pay a hundred US dollars (just tomake the appointment) go to the US consulate office in TJ, stand in line, spend the whole day there waiting to MAYBE get a visa (a huge majority DONT get them).

The consulate itself is not shutting down, and in the article nothing is said about the Visa Section being shut down. The consulate houses a number of sections, and this is only one of them. As I mentioned before, American visas can be applied for in a number of places: Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, Guadalajara, etc. Also, it refers specifically to American citizens; if it were to apply to Mexican citizens, the article would have obviously focused more on that since that would have been of much more interest to its readers. I think you shouldn't worry...it appears the all day waits will go on.

fulano - 6-18-2008 at 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
... but imagine if Sirenitas grandpa died and we had to get to the funeral...we'd have to go to Mexico City first....geeeeez Louiiiiiiise

Shari, children born to American citizens abroad are American citizens. A US passport is the most valuable document on this planet. You should get your daughter registered at the US consulate and get her a US passport before somebody changes the law on you.

shari - 6-18-2008 at 12:24 PM

ummm....I'm Canadian and my daughter is mexican born and raised and has her visa (I just used her as an example) but thanks for the info that a US passport is the most valuable document in the world....spoken like a true american, well an american from the U.S.A

[Edited on 6-18-2008 by shari]

fulano - 6-18-2008 at 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
ummm....I'm Canadian and my daughter is mexican born and raised and has her visa (I just used her as an example) but thanks for the info that a US passport is the most valuable document in the world....spoken like a true american, well an american from the U.S.A

[Edited on 6-18-2008 by shari]

Hmmm, what's her Canadian grandfather doing in San Diego? Did he vote on the desireability of a US passport with his feet?
:lol:

Iflyfish - 6-18-2008 at 12:33 PM

Keep us posted on this and let us know if there is anything we can do, letters to Senators, Representatives etc. Our local Congressional Rep. has been very helpful with immigration issues.

The issues are not yet clarified in my mind.

Iflyfish

BajaGringo - 6-18-2008 at 12:44 PM

It is a difficult situation and common sense is not part of the algorithm used in determining who does and who does not get a visa. My mother-in-law has had a valid US visa, ongoing for over 30 years. Never once overstayed or got into any kind of trouble. Has property in Baja in her name and meets all the requirements they ask for. This time she went in to renew, they looked at her application and simply said, "No and NEXT!" without so much as an explanation.

Homeland Security will turn out to be the biggest mess ever in the US bureacracy IMHO. That is one thing I have HOPE for a CHANGE in November...

CaboRon - 6-18-2008 at 12:47 PM

Shari,

Please get your daughter an American Passport (which she is entitled to) so if this gov't does fall apart she will be able to get out.

CaboRon

shari - 6-18-2008 at 12:48 PM

for canadians to get home and some mexicans to visit family there, it is half the price to fly from San diego or LA instead of SJC., so unfortunately one has to cross the USA to get to Canada and so mexicans need a USA visa to fly through the states. This was an example...many mexicans have family in the states....duhhhh....and it's a problem when there are medical emergencies. Our contractor just lived through a nightmare as his daughter who is with his wife in the states became gravely ill and he couldn't go to her because of the visa situation...very sad and unfair in my mind.

So what will happen when a gringo gets his wallet stolen at a gas station in TJ or Mexicali or Tecate...do they have to go to Mexico city to deal with it?

How is my daughter entitled to an american passport??? WE are here for the long run and don't plan on fleeing.

[Edited on 6-18-2008 by shari]

[Edited on 6-18-2008 by shari]

fulano - 6-18-2008 at 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
Our contractor just lived through a nightmare as his daughter who is with his wife in the states became gravely ill and he couldn't go to her because of the visa situation...very sad and unfair in my mind.

Those situations are tough. But it is not just a Mexican thing. The US requires visas from people coming from about 170 countries.

By the way, the Canadian citizenship law parallels US law, and the daughter of a Canadian born abroad is also entitled to Canadian citizenship. Canadians do not need a visa to enter the US...even from Mexico. So, why doesn't your daughter at least get a Canadian passport?

DianaT - 6-18-2008 at 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fulano

Quote:

Those situations are tough. But it is not just a Mexican thing. The US requires visas from people coming from about 170 countries.

In another way, it is not just a Mexican or US thing. Mexico has VERY tight visa requirements for people from Guatelmala--even professionals who want to attend conferences. The same was true for Hondurans. Gees, at the southern border, the Mexicans would not even accept our shot certificates and travel papers issued from Guatemala---they wanted our US issued dog papers.

Visa requirements for any country cause pain and difficult situations often. But it is not just the US picking on other countries---BUT THE UNITED STATES IS ALWAYS AN EASY TARGET FOR BASHING.

Also, Canada has quite a long list of countries from which visitors require visas, including most of the ones in Central America.

Diane

On edit --- we have friends whose children have multiple passports----always a good idea if possible.

[Edited on 6-18-2008 by jdtrotter]

redmesa - 6-18-2008 at 02:37 PM

USCIS To Close Its Tijuana Field Office On July 3, 2008
Will Stop Accepting Applications Beginning June 20

WASHINGTON – U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced it will permanently close its field office in Tijuana, Mexico on July 3, 2008. To prepare, the Tijuana Field Office will stop accepting the following applications and transfer responsibility after the dates listed below:

Service
Last date USCIS Tijuana will accept the form
Processing after that date

Petition to Classify Alien as an Immediate Relative (Form I-130)
June 20, 2008
The U.S. State Department Consular Section will forward applications to the USCIS Mexico City District Office for processing.

Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status (Form I-407)
July 1, 2008
The U.S. State Department will process the application and send the I-407 and the documents to the USCIS Mexico City District Office for destruction system updates.

Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative (Form I-600)
June 20, 2008
The U.S. State Department Consular Section will receive and forward the applications to the USCIS Ciudad Juarez Field Office for processing.

Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition

(Form I-600A/I-800A)
June 20, 2008
The U.S. State Department Consular Section will receive and forward the applications to the USCIS Ciudad Juarez Field Office for processing.

The public may contact the USCIS Mexico City District Office as follows:

E-mail: mexico.uscis@dhs.gov

flyfishinPam - 6-18-2008 at 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fulano

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
... but imagine if Sirenitas grandpa died and we had to get to the funeral...we'd have to go to Mexico City first....geeeeez Louiiiiiiise

no they're not citizens until they are registered as citizens and this has to be done by their 18th birthday. the US parent has to show a lot of documents to prove they're citizens as well then the child's citizenship is registered and they get a us passport and a consular certificate of birth abroad. I registered my two children born in Mexico via the us consulate in Cabo San Lucas and all documents were processed in Tijuana, their passports were issued in Tijuana. I renewed mine and my daughters passport last august in Cabo San Lucas. I will have to renew my sons soon sure hope I can still do it there.

redmesa - 6-18-2008 at 07:24 PM

We are all citizens of North America with our roots owed to those two wild Italians Christoforo Colombo and Amerigo Vespucci. Not Spanish or Anglo. Sure would be great if we could just open those borders. I have done the the U.S. passport and CAnadian passport thing for myself and my children and now I would love to become a true citizen of North America by gettin my Mexican citizenship.

Couldnt help myself

MexicoGringoGuy - 6-20-2008 at 03:29 PM

The Consulate is NOT closing, REPEAT, NOT closing.... ALSO the Consulate is still issuing visas to Mexicans with sick relatives in the usa, ETC.... Noone needs to write anyone, or call anyone, unless you are one of the effected groups mentioned, which I dont think anyone here is..

They are only going to Stop doing certain things, BUT none of the things you guys have filled 3 pages worrying about... All is ok... :rolleyes:

DENNIS - 6-20-2008 at 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MexicoGringoGuy
The Consulate is NOT closing, REPEAT, NOT closing.... ALSO the Consulate is still issuing visas to Mexicans with sick relatives in the usa, ETC.... Noone needs to write anyone, or call anyone, unless you are one of the effected groups mentioned, which I dont think anyone here is..

They are only going to Stop doing certain things, BUT none of the things you guys have filled 3 pages worrying about... All is ok... :rolleyes:

And you know that how?

Bruce R Leech - 6-20-2008 at 04:06 PM

MexicoGringoGuy how do you know that????

MexicoGringoGuy - 6-21-2008 at 11:30 AM

lol.. I know that by doing a little bit of research... If you read, and have a little common sense, one can tell that they are not closing.. that only a small section dealing with the specific things listed are closing... THATS HOW I KNOW THAT.. its out there for trillions of people to also know that, BUT some people with blinders on, only see one thing "TJ Consulate closing immigration section" BUt dont read on to see that it is not going to affect you...

Sorry but its aggrivating to hear people go crazy when the answer is right there in front of you! Ever heard of google??

T

ELINVESTIG8R - 6-21-2008 at 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MexicoGringoGuy
lol.. I know that by doing a little bit of research... If you read, and have a little common sense, one can tell that they are not closing.. that only a small section dealing with the specific things listed are closing... THATS HOW I KNOW THAT.. its out there for trillions of people to also know that, BUT some people with blinders on, only see one thing "TJ Consulate closing immigration section" BUt dont read on to see that it is not going to affect you...

Sorry but its aggrivating to hear people go crazy when the answer is right there in front of you! Ever heard of google??

T

Darn, and I thought you were an "Insider" that we could ask questions regarding issues handled by the American Consulate in Tijuana. Now I am sad.

MexicoGringoGuy - 6-21-2008 at 12:16 PM

Nope, just someone who can read.. and intrepret..

ELINVESTIG8R - 6-21-2008 at 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MexicoGringoGuy
Nope, just someone who can read.. and intrepret..

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Sharksbaja - 6-21-2008 at 02:40 PM

:smug:

Sounds exactly like our experience to have our FM3's renewed for the past 4 years

beercan - 6-21-2008 at 03:59 PM

Quote:

by shari
This will affect thousands of mexicanos in 4 large states because to get a tourist visa, even if you just want to go shopping for a day or visit a relative or go to a relatives funeral, visit your brother in a hospital etc.etc....you have to make an appointment a month in advance...pay a hundred US dollars (just tomake the appointment) go to the US consulate office in TJ, stand in line, spend the whole day there waiting to MAYBE get a visa (a huge majority DONT get them). So picture this...your father livining in san diego is dying...you are a good hardworking mexican...but still pretty poor...now how are you gonna afford to go to Mexico City just to get a visa to visit your poor papa in hospital. This hugely affects mexicans who want/need to get to the states or through it....thousands of mexicans every week go to the US consulate to beg for a visa...many of them are legit people just wanting to either visit a friend or relative or see the great U S of A....all you have to do to go fill up your tank with deisel is drive across the border...how fair is THAT???

MexicoGringoGuy - 6-21-2008 at 04:17 PM

Yes but again, this won't effect "mexicanos"... Only Certain American Citizens, BUT only certain American Citizens....