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bartmanaz
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Posted: Wed Feb 11th, 2009 06:00 pm |
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U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo would like to invite you to a Town Hall Meeting on Friday, February 20th. Consul General John Breidenstine will be making his first visit to San Carlos and he is looking forward to meeting and talking with the San Carlos community. He will give a brief overview of U.S./Mexican relations and the situation in Sonora. Other topics will include American citizen services in the district, border crossing logistics, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and personal safety. This will be an open discussion, and we would welcome your participation and questions.
Please plan to join us at 11AM on Friday, February 20th at La Palapa Greiga. (The Greek Palapa)
Last edited on Wed Feb 18th, 2009 06:08 pm by bartmanaz
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bartmanaz
Administrator
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Posted: Tue Feb 17th, 2009 05:21 pm |
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Susan C
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 26th, 2005 |
| Location: | San Carlos, Mexico |
| Posts: | 123 |
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Posted: Wed Feb 18th, 2009 03:01 am |
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Bart,
Can you move this to the main board? It is very important for those Americans who are living here and are experiencing problems to contact the consulat directly or go to the meeting and meet the officials.
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bartmanaz
Administrator
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Posted: Wed Feb 18th, 2009 01:55 pm |
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Eire
Member
| Joined: | Fri Aug 15th, 2008 |
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| Posts: | 276 |
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Posted: Sat Feb 21st, 2009 04:10 am |
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Thanks Bart!
Thanks to the Hermosillo US Consulate Staff and Consul General for putting this together. It was a great meeting and discussion.
They brought down cheat sheets for US citizens living in Mexico. They did not expect such a large gathering and ran out, but Charlene will be emailing them to me for distribution via email and I will also have copies for Jean Baker at the bank. The main thing discussed was that most of the killings reported so far have been between the drug cartels. It was also expressed that driving at night was not recommended. There had been no known targeting of Canadians or Americans in Sonora. The buddy system was discussed, letting someone know that you were travelling North or South and calling upon arrival. It was stressed to us common sense and to be aware at all times.
Sentri was discussed and they hoped to have the border crossing people down with them on the next visit, as time to cross the border is such a big issue for all of us. It was stated that early morning crossings were the fastest. There will be construction of more lanes 12 for the Mariposa entry, but it will take approx 3 years and there will be 2 Sentri lanes. Also additional 8 lanes will be under construction for DeConcini. Medical Emergencies -Ambulances and Medivac can call ahead to use the Sentri lane. The Sentri process can be done on line, then after a security check is done you will be called to have the personal interview. Once you are cleared with the Sentri you can travel in any vehicle that has a Sentri. If you have guests without a Sentri pass, they will have to get out of the car at the checkpoint and walk across.
If you have any problems at any checkpoint, ask to speak to a Supervisor. This is true for both Mexican and American checkpoints. As to US Border, if you are sent to a secondary check, you might be placed in a room while your vehicle is searched. There too, ask for a supervisor. Remember to remain calm and respectful. If you have problems thereafter, please call 662-223-0623. The Consulate staff kept on stating that they are here to help us with anything they can.
You may have a US Passport and also a US passport card. They will be able to be scanned at the border. Those are the new machines one sees at the border. If you hold it up, the Border Officer will have all your information by the time you arrive at his booth. Be sure to "know before you go" what you can take back to the USA. Dual citizenship was also discussed. It is legal for US Citizens to hold dual citizenship. You can become a Mexican Citizen after meeting their requirements and testing without losing your US Citizenship. Also discussed was Requirements to US Citizens to bring domestic employees to the US. I have those flyers, which I will give to Jean Baker at the Bank. As soon as I receive, by email the other flyers I will get them to Jean Baker and send them to those of you who were at the meeting today and gave me their emails.
If any of you see any mistakes that I have made, please let me know or PM me, or if you kept better notes than me, please share with us all. Thanks. V
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ballenagris
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| Joined: | Fri Feb 20th, 2009 |
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| Posts: | 63 |
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Posted: Sat Feb 21st, 2009 04:35 am |
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Thank you for providing a summary. It was very helpful.
Was there any discussion regarding the seizure of laptop computers?
My general impression from your summary is that the people at the border can do anything that they want and that if we didn't like it, we could call some government phone number.
When I recently crossed the border in my cab-over camper, I was given a "secondary" inspection. I insisted on observing that inspection and was told to move to a waiting area. Another guy (I presume the supervisor) joined the inspection and was very firm as to what their rules were. Since they have the guns, there is no choice.
What I was hoping to find out is if we have the option of simply returning to Mexico. I'm carrying a laptop computer that is critical to my business/income. I really can't let those bozos seize it for any period of time. I'm better off to turn around. Was there any discussion about opting out and heading south ??
Again, thanks for your efforts.
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bartmanaz
Administrator
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Posted: Mon Feb 23rd, 2009 05:04 pm |
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There were 3 informational handouts at the town hall meeting that were not available for all. We've loaded those onto the web and they can be downloaded and printed by clicking the links below:
American Citizen Cheat sheet with phone numbers and web addresses.
Travel and Personal Safety Tips
Requirements to bring Domestic Servants to the USA
Bart
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Susan C
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| Joined: | Wed Oct 26th, 2005 |
| Location: | San Carlos, Mexico |
| Posts: | 123 |
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Posted: Mon Feb 23rd, 2009 08:40 pm |
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(take spaces out of email)
For these questions or if you are experiencing (as an American) a problem in Mexico please contact Ms. Robinson directly.
The Consulate wants to know of any problems that Americans are experiencing.
This includes any harassment, trust problems or police involvements.
Ms Robinson continues to encourage all Americans to contact her personally.
RobinsonCL @ state.gov
Charlene Robinson
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