BajaNomad

Moving to TJ

Jcbrub - 8-19-2014 at 09:14 PM

Ok Everyone, I am considering moving to TJ from San Diego and I have a couple questions.

I currently live in San Diego and work in La Jolla. My girlfriend lives down in tijuana and honestly for the past couple years I spend every Friday evening through monday morning across the border and then one or two evenings during the week. Since I rarely spend time at my own place here in SD, I am looking at moving down there. I already have SENTRI, and like I said cross the border 3-4 times a week, so that's no issue. Being down there so much these are probably things I should already know. However:

-Is it completely legal for a US citizen to live across the border with no FTM/FM3 visa or whatever it is?
-Will I have any issues living as an american in TJ in terms of crossing daily? (hassled by CBP?)
-I plan to get a PO box to have a CA address, is this sufficient?
-Are there any other ramifications I am not considering when planning to move down to TJ?

I didn't want to jump into a decision without considering all legal consequences etc. so i figured here may be a good place to ask!

Any advice/help is appreciated, thanks!

Jcbrub - 8-19-2014 at 09:37 PM

Another point I wanted to bring up was dealing with the future. If everything goes as plans, I hope to marry my gf and live in the US again (she is still studying at a Private University in TJ and works at a top financial firm, and she has her Visa to cross etc). So we would plan to move back after marrying and obviously make her a resident through marriage. Eventually she would get a green car (I know the process isn't that basic, just speaking in general.

My concern is, having lived in TJ for 18-24 months at that point, will that hinder at all the chances or probability of bringing my then wife to the states in terms of the interview to make her legal here?

Also, will living in TJ for an extended amount of time (2 years or so) have any consequences on me personally after moving back to SD?

I apologize if these questions are rather ignorant, I did some searching and found some answers, but was in hope someone here could maybe provide me with some concrete answers.

bajagrouper - 8-19-2014 at 09:53 PM

OP you state" Eventually she would get a green car "

One question, will she buy a car that is environmentally friendly or a car green in color?

Just kidding Bro, couldn't help it,LOL..Welcome to the board.....

[Edited on 8-20-2014 by bajagrouper]

dasubergeek - 8-19-2014 at 10:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
-Is it completely legal for a US citizen to live across the border with no FTM/FM3 visa or whatever it is?


No, it isn't legal and aboveboard. The chances of your being asked to show proof that you're in Tijuana legally are almost nil, but if you want to do this completely legally, yes, you need a visa. If you want to do a menaje de casa, where you can bring your household goods duty-free into Mexico, you'll need to have the correct papers. Others can advise you more.
Quote:
-Will I have any issues living as an american in TJ in terms of crossing daily? (hassled by CBP?)


You're far from the only U.S. citizen living in Tijuana. You'll be hassled the regular amount. Do, however, have a contingency plan for the days when you're sent to secondary either randomly or because your inspector was having a bad time.
Quote:
-I plan to get a PO box to have a CA address, is this sufficient?


This is what everyone does. You'll want to make sure you get packages in the U.S., because Sepomex (the postal service in Mexico) is a horror.
Quote:
-Are there any other ramifications I am not considering when planning to move down to TJ?


Be aware that all of your bills have to be paid in person. This is slowly, slowly changing�you can pay more of them online now�but it takes time and effort to pay bills, and they don't send reminders, they just cut off whatever service it is. You can pay them for a convenience fee at Oxxo, but not if they're too close to the due date, and, well, see what I said above about Sepomex.
Quote:
My concern is, having lived in TJ for 18-24 months at that point, will that hinder at all the chances or probability of bringing my then wife to the states in terms of the interview to make her legal here?


No. It is actually easier to apply for a green card from outside the U.S., because you only have to file (and pay to file) one form instead of two. Once you apply, you can also apply for a K-3 visa for her, which would allow her to live and work in the U.S. while her green card application is working its way through the system. Bear in mind that if you've been married for less than 2 years, she only gets a green card valid until your 2nd anniversary, and you have to petition well in advance to get her a real green card (which involves proving to the interviewer in separate interviews that you do, in fact, live together and are not just married for the immigration benefit).

One thing you should know is that if you decide to stay in Mexico after you're married, your path to legal residency and citizenship is made much easier by your marriage.
Quote:
Also, will living in TJ for an extended amount of time (2 years or so) have any consequences on me personally after moving back to SD?


You'll probably speak Spanish a great deal better, albeit with a Baja accent. You'll have massive sticker shock when you go from paying $500 a month for an apartment to paying $2000 a month for the same apartment. In terms of legal repercussions, not at all.

If you and your future wife have children born abroad, you will want to register that fact with the U.S. Consulate in Mesa de Otay. Since you have lived in the U.S. for more than 5 years, and more than 3 of those since you turned 18 (I assume), your children will automatically be U.S. citizens from birth. They will not, however, be "natural born citizens", at least according to most interpretations of that Presidential requirement.

Of course, children born in Mexico are also Mexican citizens, so your children will be dual citizens.

Jcbrub - 8-19-2014 at 10:46 PM

Hahaha, sorry about the typo!

And thank you so much, Geek, for the detailed advice!

Should I ever get sent to secondary inspection (I used to before I got SENTRI but havent ever since I got it almost a year ago), what kind of contingency plan are you referring to? What are the consequences with CBP if I were to tell them I live permanantley in TJ?

Were you referring to needing a visa to show Mexican officials I permanantley live in TJ legally if ever questioned? (basically saying that CBP will have no issue with me residing in TJ, only mx officials?)

This is something I just heard offhand so please correct me if it's completely false. But I had heard that there was a "border free zone" in which if you live within a certain proximity to the border, as a US citizen you can legally live in MX without the need of a visa... Would it be easier to simply apply and get a visa to live in TJ?

And thank you for the info on green cards, marriage, etc. Very helpful!

willardguy - 8-19-2014 at 11:11 PM

keep in mind, there are thousands of norte americano's living in baja who just can't meet the financial requirements for either a temporary or permanent status and after a few renewals just said to heck with the 180 day tourist visas. yes, living in baja illegally. if you're gonna be here awhile and you want to be legal, well, start the app! ;)

Jcbrub - 8-19-2014 at 11:14 PM

Hah, well I imagine I could very easily meet the financial requirements.. just didn't know if it was really necessary. CBP won't hassle me for living full time in TJ, I would just have to prove it to MX officials on the very off chance I was ever in that situation, is that correct?

willardguy - 8-19-2014 at 11:20 PM

what mx official would ever ask? why would they care? living, visiting, vacationing??? my advise is don't bother with any of it. hang on, here it comes!:lol:

Jcbrub - 8-19-2014 at 11:23 PM

Haha, well thanks, I just wanted to make sure CBP had no issues with me residing in TJ without a mx visa...

tjsue - 8-20-2014 at 12:30 AM

I moved to TJ last September, and moved back to San Diego this past May. Even with a Sentri, the border crossing was much of a hassle, it was inconvenient, and caused me hardships for working. I just couldn't see myself driving all that distance every day for work.

Yes, my rent was less, but for what it cost me in gas and time, it wasn't worth it. Now that I'm back in San Diego, I'm able to save, since I'm working again. I now only need once insurance policy, and that's a savings of $140 every six months, along with what I save in gas.

Plus, I have unlimited hot water, and it's on every day.

[Edited on 8-20-2014 by tjsue]

Jcbrub - 8-20-2014 at 12:35 AM

Wow, sorry to hear that. I'm actually going to be paying just slightly higher rent in TJ. I currently rent a room in a nice house in Mission Hills for $700 and am going to be renting a brand new condo por Chapultepec for $800. I know with allstate insurance I'm covered as long as i'm within 100 miles of the border, so hopefully I won't have any issues. And yeah it's gonna be a pain cause even with Sentri the morning wait can be around 30 mins and I have to drive up to UTC area of La Jolla, but it'll be worth it I suppose...

tjsue - 8-20-2014 at 12:51 AM

I've heard from some of my friends that the wait in the Sentri line is now an hour. I predict it'll be more than that next year.

I would never rent a room in a house, I don't like living with other people. I went from 1 1/2 bedrooms to a small studio. My rent is $595 per month, and I don't pay utilities, but at least I can get up and go wherever I want, whenever I want, without the hassle of crossing the border. I'm waiting for a one bedroom to open up in my complex, then my rent will be $695 plus utilities.

I don't live in an upscale neighborhood like Mission Hills, and really don't care to. I now live in Shelltown, which is a neighborhood within Barrio Logan. It's very convenient to public transportation and shopping, especially since I don't like to drive. I just catch the bus to wherever I want to go, and keep my driving as an option.

Living in TJ wasn't for me, and I really hated driving there. When I need to go across for some reason, I just take a cab, it's much easier.

BajaNomad - 8-20-2014 at 12:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
I know with allstate insurance I'm covered as long as i'm within 100 miles of the border, so hopefully I won't have any issues.


http://traveltips.usatoday.com/car-insurance-travel-mexico-1...

http://www.bajabound.com/info/whybuy.php

SFandH - 8-20-2014 at 06:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
I know with allstate insurance I'm covered as long as i'm within 100 miles of the border, so hopefully I won't have any issues.


I bet the policy would be cancelled if they knew you were living in Mexico.

Shhh.... ;D

mojo_norte - 8-20-2014 at 07:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
I know with allstate insurance I'm covered as long as i'm within 100 miles of the border, so hopefully I won't have any issues.


hmm - I would get a second annual insurance policy exclusively for Mexico - they're not that expensive

SFandH - 8-20-2014 at 07:29 AM

Yeah, that's right. Even if the Allstate policy works the Mexican authorities aren't going to recognize it if there is an accident.

bajalearner - 8-20-2014 at 07:33 AM

When you change addresses, you are required to notify SENTRI and explain where, why and when you moved. As you know, when crossing, you will routinely be asked why you were in MX and where you are going. Those answers could impact the SENTRI status. SENTRI is run like the Gestapo so be careful what you say and do. One person posted that the San Ysidro SENTRI office is not so Gestapo.

With SENTRI, I was sent to secondary 2 or three times in the first year and then not at all for about 2 years.

I had terrible and expensive experience with a PO box service in San Ysidro called Mr. Mail. They were very bad and charge you dollars extra for every package or oversize letter. $6. for one package alone. I had a wrapped Christmas gift torn into and the business owner just shrugged.

I now use a fantastic PO box service near old town, on Rosecrans just north of I-5 freeway called American Mail. The owner travels allot in MX and is a very accommodating businessman. They don't charge anything to receive any oversize mail.

A motorcycle or scooter is a dream at the border. Some people even park a car on the US side and park the bike after crossing the border.

You will have things stolen if you leave them unsecured. I have my car and motorcycle locked up in my parking area. I also have fake camera's and a cheap motion sensor, that chimes inside my house. Harbor Freight tools; 12 bucks each.

Mail Address

bajaguy - 8-20-2014 at 07:53 AM

We use this place:

https://postalannex.com/location/mailbox-rental/6

Easy on/off the I-5, 24 hour access, UPS and FedEx package delivery

Just FYI

durrelllrobert - 8-20-2014 at 08:01 AM

It took me 2 years and almost $2000 (including going to Juarez twice for her interview) to get my wife her Permanent Resident Card for the US. At the first interview in Juarez, which is the only Consulate that does them) We didn't have physical proof that we were in a true martial relationship rahter than just a marriage of convenience in order to get the green card. They didn't actually ask for pictures of us having sex but sort of implied that those would help. Also, before the interview my wife had to submit to a complete physical exam at the Consulate's one and only approved facility and that took nearly 8 hours to get through.

SlyOnce - 8-20-2014 at 08:10 AM

I live in Playas with my MX novia 24 years younger than me. She works in a school. I cross the border every day and work in Claremont Mesa (San Diego). I hit the SENTRI line about 5:45 AM and usually wait less than 15 minutes. At that hour, traffic is light. I start work at 7, leave at 4, and am sitting on my patio, drinking cool beverage and watching the sunset over the ocean every night by 5 PM. I have been doing this for a year. We like to walk on the beach, go to the coffee shops, and try new places to eat in Playas. There is always something going on.

I never got any kind of visa. I've never been asked, and I signed a lease with no problems. My novia also is on the lease, and her mom signed as the reference.

Utilities are included in our rent, we only pay water, in cash, to the rental office.

My US cell phone and US Verizon wi fi (Internet) work, so we don't have Telcel, Infinitum, or Cablemas. But those are all available in the apartment, I'd put them in her name.

I have a PO Box at Postal Annex with a street address not a PO Box - this is known as a PMB (private mail box). They text me if I get a package or letter.

I did not file a change of address with the CBP.

I tell the officers every morning I live in Playas, get sent to secondary for the SENTRI compliance check about once every 3 months. Keep your paperwork up to date. This is not an issue. At 6 AM everyone in the line lives in TJ and works in the US. I've been asked where I live and how I like it.

I have MX car insurance on both cars.

Everyone at my job knows I live in Playas but officially my address is the PMB (private mail box) at Postal Annex.

If I was to drive south of Ensenada I'd get a tourist visa.

My novia has a US visa and BCC and she crosses in the car with me in the REDI lanes without any problems, questions, or issues. We just hand over our cards and say we are going sailing, or shopping, or whatever - we never lie to them.

We are not married, but having a MX novia makes lots of things easier, for example, she is perfectly bi lingual, educated, yet street smart and you can't bullchit her or over charge her or whatever. She helps us get better deals.

I carried my household items over the border headed south a few things at a time. I took new items out of the boxes. I never declared anything. I got sent to MX secondary a few times and never got asked to pay duty on an old waffle maker or blender or stuff like that. I did buy a new refrigerator and declared that and paid duty.\

We bought a high end HD flat screen TV in Walmart on the MX side.

I love living there. Rent is cheaper, the view is wonderful, we have adventures on both sides of the border.

Feel free to send me a private message for anything else.

Jcbrub - 8-20-2014 at 08:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajalearner
When you change addresses, you are required to notify SENTRI and explain where, why and when you moved. As you know, when crossing, you will routinely be asked why you were in MX and where you are going. Those answers could impact the SENTRI status. SENTRI is run like the Gestapo so be careful what you say and do. One person posted that the San Ysidro SENTRI office is not so Gestapo.

With SENTRI, I was sent to secondary 2 or three times in the first year and then not at all for about 2 years.


Thank you for the info.

So if I notify SENTRI of my change of address to TJ, is that acceptable and legal for me to maintain my SENTRI status and reside in TJ, they just might be suspicious, and ask me why? Or will changing my address to MX actually revoke my SENTRI status?

I'm 24, work at a reputable Broker Dealer firm in Finance in La Jolla, have zero criminal record etc. and simply spend a lot of time down there because my gf resides there.

As well, I definitely will be purchasing additional auto insurance.

SlyOnce - 8-20-2014 at 01:13 PM

Change your address with SENTRI to the Private Mail Box you have on this side. Thousands of gringos have full time or weekend houses from Playas to Ensenada. Probably no one changes their address to the MX residence.

One reason why is my MX address is so long, there is no way to fit it at all in any way into an online form on the US Side. With number, street, suite, fracciomento, delegation, city, state and postal code.

Plus you would never want to receive any kind of mail or official notices there.

elgatoloco - 8-20-2014 at 01:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
....what kind of contingency plan are you referring to?.....


You could be late to work.:saint:

Jcbrub - 8-20-2014 at 02:38 PM

Got it, I thought you were maybe referring to a backup plan in terms of something else! hah

And thanks, I would change it to a PMB then, thanks for the info everyone!

SFandH - 8-20-2014 at 02:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub

And thanks, I would change it to a PMB then, thanks for the info everyone!


Let us know if they accept a mailbox business address for where you live.

[Edited on 8-20-2014 by SFandH]

dasubergeek - 8-20-2014 at 05:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
Hahaha, sorry about the typo!

And thank you so much, Geek, for the detailed advice!

Should I ever get sent to secondary inspection (I used to before I got SENTRI but havent ever since I got it almost a year ago), what kind of contingency plan are you referring to? What are the consequences with CBP if I were to tell them I live permanantley in TJ?

Were you referring to needing a visa to show Mexican officials I permanantley live in TJ legally if ever questioned? (basically saying that CBP will have no issue with me residing in TJ, only mx officials?)

This is something I just heard offhand so please correct me if it's completely false. But I had heard that there was a "border free zone" in which if you live within a certain proximity to the border, as a US citizen you can legally live in MX without the need of a visa... Would it be easier to simply apply and get a visa to live in TJ?

And thank you for the info on green cards, marriage, etc. Very helpful!


I mean that you need to be able to tell your employer you're going to be an hour late if you get sent to secondary. Or you make like tjsue did before she moved back north and plan to cross incredibly early and spend the days when there's no backup at a coffeeshop or something.

Seriously, I'm going to say this very directly: the United States government, CBP and ICE included, does not give a @#$% where you live. They also don't care whether you're in Mexico legally, because by the time you're in front of them, you're in the U.S. and they're not charged with enforcing Mexican immigration law. Even if you get stopped with a red light going south across the border, they don't ask you why you're coming to Mexico, they just want to make sure you're not importing anything illegal or that could be taxed.

There is no U.S. penalty for living in Tijuana other than the occasional horrible drive, even with SENTRI. Thousands do it. They're not going to ask you what was so bad about the U.S. that you moved to Mexico, because they just. simply. don't. care.

[Edited on 8-21-2014 by dasubergeek]

dasubergeek - 8-20-2014 at 05:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
I know with allstate insurance I'm covered as long as i'm within 100 miles of the border, so hopefully I won't have any issues.


You really want to make sure that's true before you live in Mexico. Allstate needs to have sent you a completely different set of papers with coverage assigned to a company with a headquarters in Mexico.

If you get in an accident and hand over your Allstate card they will just hand the U.S. insurance papers back to you and you will be in jail while you pony up the money. Not a single U.S. insurer is licensed to write coverage in Mexico. I suggest BajaBound (the link underneath the BajaNomad banner) for an actual Mexican insurance policy. Sanborns is okay too.

Ken Cooke - 8-20-2014 at 05:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
I apologize if these questions are rather ignorant, I did some searching and found some answers, but was in hope someone here could maybe provide me with some concrete answers.

These are good questions to raise on VisaJourney.com under 'Forums' - 'Mexico'.

DawnPatrol - 8-20-2014 at 05:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dasubergeek
Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
I know with allstate insurance I'm covered as long as i'm within 100 miles of the border, so hopefully I won't have any issues.


You really want to make sure that's true before you live in Mexico. Allstate needs to have sent you a completely different set of papers with coverage assigned to a company with a headquarters in Mexico.

If you get in an accident and hand over your Allstate card they will just hand the U.S. insurance papers back to you and you will be in jail while you pony up the money. Not a single U.S. insurer is licensed to write coverage in Mexico. I suggest BajaBound (the link underneath the BajaNomad banner) for an actual Mexican insurance policy. Sanborns is okay too.


he is so right.... they do not recognize ANY U.S. carrier's insurance (even though yours extends liabilty and/or comp & collision a ways south)
Get a liability-only Mexican policy and make sure it has "legal" included. Make sure the Mex policy has the NEW larger laibility coverages

So you will stay out of jail and then Allstate can handle the physical damage to your vehicle

tjsue - 8-20-2014 at 06:29 PM

I used to leave at 3:30am before I had my Sentri, and after I got it, I was able to leave around 6. But even with a Sentri, there can be a backup, and you never know when you're going to be sent to secondary. Once you're in secondary, you're stuck, you can't go anywhere until they get to you, and that can take anywhere from 1 hour or more.

Just keep that in mind when you leave for work, and don't expect to "just zip" over the border in no time flat. You never know what's going to happen.

willardguy - 8-20-2014 at 06:33 PM

xlnt advice sue!

SFandH - 8-20-2014 at 06:35 PM

A bit off course, but,

Have the Americans finished the construction yet?

This is taking longer than the Panama canal did 100 years ago.

dasubergeek - 8-20-2014 at 09:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tjsue
I used to leave at 3:30am before I had my Sentri, and after I got it, I was able to leave around 6. But even with a Sentri, there can be a backup, and you never know when you're going to be sent to secondary. Once you're in secondary, you're stuck, you can't go anywhere until they get to you, and that can take anywhere from 1 hour or more.

Just keep that in mind when you leave for work, and don't expect to "just zip" over the border in no time flat. You never know what's going to happen.


The voice of wisdom right here. Otay is sometimes faster (especially if you're starting in Chapultepec, you fancy fresa you, hahaha) but all it takes is one stupid moran mouthing off to the inspector in the SENTRI line and you're all hosed.

I guess what I'm saying is that if you have the kind of job where you need to punch in at 0830 on the nose, you need to assume you're going to take two hours to get there.

tjsue - 8-21-2014 at 09:09 AM

Also keep in mind, that the line that you're in may have a Sentri officer that decides to walk around vehicles in the line, have the driver open all the doors to look inside, plus go around them and knock on the sides.

This happened to me numerous times. I worked swing shifts, but had to leave way earlier than the time that I had to be at work. I wasted a lot of time while I was waiting to go to work.

Moving back, I went through the Sentri lines each time with a loaded van, and was only stopped once.

It all depends on who you get. You may get a "gung ho" newbie officer, or one who's been there for a while, and doesn't care.

You never know.

bajalearner - 8-21-2014 at 09:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub

And thanks, I would change it to a PMB then, thanks for the info everyone!


Let us know if they accept a mailbox business address for where you live.

[Edited on 8-20-2014 by SFandH]


Be careful! lIf SENTRI decides you lied to them, it is a lifelong revocation. Check to see if it is legal to use a PO box address as your residence, I don't think it is. I'm only concerned about your protection.

Before you do or say anything to SENTRI, I advise you to research whether your response is honest. Do to the fact that SENTRI can and will revoke your SENTRI if they see you lied or did not revile the true situation. With today's data bases, it might be possible for CBP to check if your new address is a commercial or residential address.

Is the address you have on file still a usable address? If you can continue to use the address, maybe you could just leave it alone.

Or tell the truth and give your new Tijuana address.

Just do your homework and thinking before you tell them something that may not hold water. Think about it, they have heard it all before...over and over and it will be easy for them to spot a hole in your answers.

I have a local PO box address listed with SENTRI for my mailing address but they don't ever mail anything there.

SENTRI is not your friend...they don't let small things slide!

bajaguy - 8-21-2014 at 10:08 AM

I have never had a problem in dealing with SENTRI, however I strongly suggest you use your TJ residence address and your PMB as your mailing address.

Don't fudge anything on your SENTRI application......list EVERYTHING and then explain when you go to the interview.......also make a copy of your application and take it with you to the interview

When we applied we told them we have a house in the US, "snowbird" in Baja and have a PO box mailing address....listed two cars, no problems with anything.

The big thing is the CBP person you get for the interview. Be polite, answer all the questions. Hopefully you will get an interview with a chatty CBP person with a sense of humor.....we did and it worked out great

willardguy - 8-21-2014 at 10:13 AM

uh, he already has a SENTRI and has been crossing 3-4 times a week.......

In that case

bajaguy - 8-21-2014 at 10:16 AM

Go on-line and access your GOES account and change your residence address and add a mailing address for you and your vehicle(s)
Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
uh, he already has a SENTRI and has been crossing 3-4 times a week.......

bajalearner - 8-21-2014 at 10:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Go on-line and access your GOES account and change your residence address and add a mailing address for you and your vehicle(s)


Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
uh, he already has a SENTRI and has been crossing 3-4 times a week.......


That's the starting point. Then you will select an appointment date to go in and explain and document your new residence address change. As I did a couple months ago.

I did change my mailing address online on the GOES site.

[Edited on 8-21-2014 by bajalearner]

Jcbrub - 8-21-2014 at 11:11 AM

And how did the appointment go regarding changing your residence address? What was your situation, no issues?

dasubergeek - 8-21-2014 at 08:03 PM

Just tell the truth. It isn't a scary truth. "I live in Tijuana, but the Mexican postal service is so horrible that I keep a private mailbox in a store in San Diego for correspondence. That way I don't miss bills�or notices from Homeland Security regarding my SENTRI." :)

bajalearner - 8-22-2014 at 09:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
And how did the appointment go regarding changing your residence address? What was your situation, no issues?


No it did not go well, there was a huge issue. A few months ago I established residency in South Dakota. I researched it and I am 100% legal. I went to the appointment with SENTRI to change my address to my new residential address in South Dakota. I was told I could not claim S. Dakota as my residence because I drive on CA roads. The officer is either an idiot or has no need to follow policy or law. He told me I would be revoked in 30 days unless I register my car in CA or MX. SENTRI is the Gestapo and does not care about your rights or an individuals situation.

I wrote a post about it a couple months ago and I am currently communicating with my US Senator from S. Dakota who is inquiring with the CBP as to why they don't accept SD as a legal residency. CBP is dragging their feet and tried to send the Senator a form letter saying nothing other than I am approved for SENTRI. I objected and the Senator is digging further.

So yes I had a problem and I see it as the SENTRI office allows their officers to make up their own rules and treat people as they feel. I don't look for trouble but I don't allow my constitutional rights to be abused. So I will speak up when someone is abusing me. I am confident I will be allowed to change the address but you can see how SENTRI does what they want without controls. Gestapo. Fall of the Roman empire. Police state. It's in the news.

Jcbrub - 8-22-2014 at 10:03 AM

Wow, that really sucks, I hope it all works out for you!!

I was just curious if I change my address to a PMB if they will recognize that and have a problem. Or if I change it to my TJ address if they will also have any issue with me moving there. onviously it is legal, but just in terms of questioning me a lot of getting secondary inspection often due to it.

bajalearner - 8-22-2014 at 11:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
Wow, that really sucks, I hope it all works out for you!!

I was just curious if I change my address to a PMB if they will recognize that and have a problem. Or if I change it to my TJ address if they will also have any issue with me moving there. onviously it is legal, but just in terms of questioning me a lot of getting secondary inspection often due to it.


My problem will work itself out. I don't know the answer to your situation but I will advise you to try to try to do what's honest. As I said, if they catch a lie it's over. There is a way to access the SENTRI policy online but I don't know how. If you can see if it's legal to list a pmb as your residence, go for it. If that not legal, don't do it.

I would think if you list the pmb as your home, when you go to the interview the officer will ask if this is where you live. If you say yes and he uncovers that it is a pmb by your statement or other means, you will be revoked. It's important.

SFandH - 8-22-2014 at 12:13 PM

The newest address databases know whether an address is residential or commercial. The SENTRI application asks for both where you reside and where you receive mail, if different. If the inputs are checked against a database that differentiates between commercial and residential addresses, you will be caught lying if you give a commercial address for your residential address. The addresses used by businesses that provide private mailboxes are commercial addresses.

Jcbrub, if I were you I would not notify SENTRI of your address change for a while. What's the rush? The only way they will know is if you tell them. If, after a couple of months you decide Tijuana is for you, then change your residential address and add a PMB in the US for a mailing address.

[Edited on 8-22-2014 by SFandH]

norte - 8-22-2014 at 12:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajalearner
Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
And how did the appointment go regarding changing your residence address? What was your situation, no issues?


No it did not go well, there was a huge issue. A few months ago I established residency in South Dakota. I researched it and I am 100% legal. I went to the appointment with SENTRI to change my address to my new residential address in South Dakota. I was told I could not claim S. Dakota as my residence because I drive on CA roads. The officer is either an idiot or has no need to follow policy or law. He told me I would be revoked in 30 days unless I register my car in CA or MX. SENTRI is the Gestapo and does not care about your rights or an individuals situation.

I wrote a post about it a couple months ago and I am currently communicating with my US Senator from S. Dakota who is inquiring with the CBP as to why they don't accept SD as a legal residency. CBP is dragging their feet and tried to send the Senator a form letter saying nothing other than I am approved for SENTRI. I objected and the Senator is digging further.

So yes I had a problem and I see it as the SENTRI office allows their officers to make up their own rules and treat people as they feel. I don't look for trouble but I don't allow my constitutional rights to be abused. So I will speak up when someone is abusing me. I am confident I will be allowed to change the address but you can see how SENTRI does what they want without controls. Gestapo. Fall of the Roman empire. Police state. It's in the news.

"I researched it and it is completely legal" but nobody agrees.:lol::lol:

why sentri if you don't live in california?

tjsue - 8-22-2014 at 05:12 PM

I used my TJ address as my home address, and my PMB as my mailing address, and had no problems. I took my lease and rent receipt with me to the interview, but the officer was unable read them, since they were in Spanish.

He was only interested in how much money I made, how much money I had saved up, and how much I paid in rent every month.

perfectly legal nothing to hide

skipowell - 8-22-2014 at 09:25 PM

We have several friends and neighbors that live in Mexico. One of them has raised their children there, yet commutes across the border daily for work. Tho only problem they ever had was not sharing the change of address. One of their daughters moved to San Diego for a bit of time and did change her address for Sentri but then moved back home (Mexico) and forgot to change address. After a few months she got her Sentri card temporarily taken and they had to got through a major hassle to get it back. Only problem was she didn't change her address back to Mexico. They can tell with no effort when you are crossing every morning. Just be honest. It is perfectly legal. If you buy property in TJ then you need to get residency. Take a look in the morning how many are Mexican Nationals in the line?

Quote:
Originally posted by Jcbrub
Ok Everyone, I am considering moving to TJ from San Diego and I have a couple questions.

I currently live in San Diego and work in La Jolla. My girlfriend lives down in tijuana and honestly for the past couple years I spend every Friday evening through monday morning across the border and then one or two evenings during the week. Since I rarely spend time at my own place here in SD, I am looking at moving down there. I already have SENTRI, and like I said cross the border 3-4 times a week, so that's no issue. Being down there so much these are probably things I should already know. However:

-Is it completely legal for a US citizen to live across the border with no FTM/FM3 visa or whatever it is?
-Will I have any issues living as an american in TJ in terms of crossing daily? (hassled by CBP?)
-I plan to get a PO box to have a CA address, is this sufficient?
-Are there any other ramifications I am not considering when planning to move down to TJ?

I didn't want to jump into a decision without considering all legal consequences etc. so i figured here may be a good place to ask!

Any advice/help is appreciated, thanks!