Dear fellow citizen:
This guide attempts to provide some practical advice that may be of use, in the event that you have made the difficult decision to search for new work opportunities outside your country.
The safe way to enter another country is to first obtain your passport, which is issued by the offices of the Secretary of Foreign Relations, and the visa, which you request at the Embassy or Consulate of the country to which you wish to travel.
However, in practice we see many cases of Mexicans that try to cross the northern border without the necessary documents, through areas of high risk which involve facing grave dangers, particularly in desert areas or rivers with strong and not always visible water currents.
By reading this guide, you will be able to inform yourself also about some basic questions about the legal consequences of your stay in the United States of America without the appropriate migratory documents, as well as about the rights you have in that country, once you find yourself in it, regardless of your migratory situation
Keep in mind that there are always mechanisms so that you can legally enter the United States of America. In any case, if you have problems o are confronted by difficulties, remember that Mexico has 45 Consulates in said country, their contact information you can find in this publication. Identify your Consulate and trust it/depend on it.
Crossing a river may be very dangerous, especially if you cross alone and at night.
Heavy clothing increases its weight when it gets wet and this may make swimming or floating difficult. If you cross the desert, be sure to walk in hours when the heat is not so intense.
• Little or no sweat.
• Dryness in the eyes and mouth.
• Headache.
• Tiredness or excessive exhaustion
• Difficulty in walking or reasoning.
• Hallucinations and mirages.
If you get lost, follow power cables, train tracks or secondary roads.
BE CAREFUL WITH "POLLEROS", "COYOTES" AND "PATEROS"
They can trick you into believing that they can get you across the border in a few hours through mountains or deserts. This isn't true!
Usually the packages contain drugs or other prohibited substances. For this reason, many people have ended up in jail.
If you transport other people you may be confused with a "pollero" or "coyote", and they can accuse you of the crime of traficking of people or automobile theft.
Do not give your children to strangers that offer to get them into the United States.
DON'T USE FALSE DOCUMENTS OR DOCUMENTS THAT DON'T BELONG TO YOU, AND DON'T DECLARE FALSE NATIONALITY
If you try to enter with false documents o documents that belong to another person, keep the following in mind:
The use of false documents or documents belonging to someone else is a federal crime in the United States, for which they can process you legally and you may end up in jail; also if you declare a false name or say you are a citizen of the United States, when you aren't.
Do not lie to American customs officials or at checkpoints.
IF YOU ARE DETAINED
Do not resist arrest.
Do not threaten or insult the officer.
Don't throw rocks or objects at the officer nor at the patrol cars, as this is considered a provacation of the officers. If the officers feel threatened, it is probable that they will use force to detain you. Raise your hands slowly so that they can see you are not armed.
Don't carry any object in your hands which could be considered a weapon, such as: flashlight, screwdriver, jackknives, knives, or rocks.
Don't run or try to escape. Don't hide in dangerous places. Don't cross highspeed freeways.
It is better that they detain you for a few hours and that you are returned to Mexico, than that you get lost in the desert.
IF YOU ARE DETAINED, YOU HAVE RIGHTS!
Give your real name. If you are a minor and you came with an adult, tell the authorities so that you are not separated.
Your rights are: Know where you are.
Ask that they allow you to communicate with a representative of the closest Mexican Consultate, so that you may receive help. Don't make statements or sign documents, especially if they are in English, without the assistance of a defense lawyer or representative of the Mexican Consulate.
Receive medical attention if you are hurt or in poor health.
Be respected and receive dignified treatment, regardless of your migratory status.
Be transported in a safe manner.
Have water and food whenever you need it.
You are not required to state your migratory status when you are detained.
Not to be hit or insulted.
Not to be left without communication.
If they take your things, ask for a receipt so that you may recover them when you are released.
Any violation of these rights, it is important that you inform your lawyer or a representative of the Mexican Consulate that visits you; or the closest office of the Secretary of Foreign Relations within Mexican territory.
If you want more information and live in Texas, United States or Ciudad Acuña, Coahuilla, tune in to "The Poderosa" on 1570 AM.
IF YOU ARE DETAINED
If you were already sentenced for some crime or you find yourself facing a criminal proceeding in some jail, you have the following rights: Not to be discriminated against by policy, judicial, or jail authorities.
Receive visits from Consulate officials and your family.
Receive the appropriate legal aid without that aid being based on any conditions and without obstruction.
If you are facing criminal prosecution and you haven't been sentenced yet, ask your lawyer of the representative from the Consulate, what the terms of the "Plea Agreement" are.
Don't plead guilty without first asking your lawyer about the probability of winning your case in a trial. It is important that you know the laws of the state of the American Union in which you live and work, because the laws are different in each one of them. Keep the following information in mind: If you drink don't drive, because without documents you may be detained and deported.
If you are a legal resident and are stopped more than twice for driving under the influence, you may be deported.
Don't drive without a license.
Obey traffic signs and use a seatbelt.
Don't drive without auto insurance and don't accept driving an unknown vehicle.
Do not allow strangers to ride in your car.If the driver commits some traffic violation and you are stopped by the police, put your hands on the steering wheel and don't get out of the car until the officer asks you to. Avoid calling attention to yourself, at least while you are in the process of getting your documents in order to live in the United States. The best formula is to not change work or domestic routine.
Avoid loud parties, the neighbors can be bothered and call the police, and you can be arrested. Avoid getting involved in fights.
If you go to a bar and a fight breaks out, stay away, because in the confusion you could be arrested even though you haven't done anything. Avoid family or domestic violence. Just like in Mexico, it is a crime in the United States
Domestic violance isn't just hitting, it is also threats, shouting, or mistreatment. If you are accused of domestic violence against your children or spouse or some other person that lives with you, you can go to jail. Besides, the authorities of Child Protective Services (CPS) can take your children away from you.
Don't carry firearms, knives, or other dangerous objects.
Keep in mind that many Mexicans have died or have gone to prison for this.
If the police enter your house or apartment, don't resist, but ask for their "Search Warrant". It is better to cooperate, and ask to communicate with the closest Mexican Consulate.
The Secretary of Foreign Relations has 45 consular representations in the interior and along the southern border of the United States of America, whose function is to help you. Remember: If you have been detained or you find yourself serving a sentence, you have the right to communicate with the closest Mexican consulate. Carry your "Guide to Consular Protection" with you always.
Trust/get closer to your Consulate... Trust/get closer to Mexico. It's your home, countryman!
