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On Becoming An "Almost" Mexican
By Richard N. Baldwin T. /HispanicVista.com
   October 15, 2007
  From Mexico
   

 

By Richard N. Baldwin T. /HispanicVista.com
On Becoming An "Almost" Mexican

 
     Readers of this column know that I freely criticize in an evenhanded basis in commentary on Mexican affairs and those matters that affect México and Mexicans in the US. In this case, I will recount the process in which I recently became and "almost" Mexican. I recently gained "Immigranto" status, the equivalent of "green card" or permanent legal residence status in México. For the record, I remain a US citizen.

     My wife and I arrived in México with the objective of making our home there in 1992. Prior to the move, the Mexican government required me to bring a statement from my local police department in the US that I had a clean record and in to have a medical doctor's statement that I was free of HIV or AIDS infection. These documents were "legalized" by the Mexican consulate in Chicago with Spanish translations along with our marriage license.

     I entered México on a 6-month "tourist" visa, not extendable. Upon arrival in México, I applied for an FM3 status that would allow me to purchase property and work in Mexico. The FM3 status is the fastest form of immigration status and is limited to a 4-year period with no renewal option. This is frequently used for those working on contract for foreign companies in México. It also allowed us purchase a home and to import our furniture and household goods duty free being held in a local warehouse for us.

     After 2 years, I was converted the FM3 to FM2 status (both forms known as Immigrante), which is renewable after the 4-year period that it covers. Both the FM3 and the FM2 must be extended each year.

     As an Immigrante, I was able to obtain a Mexican driver's license and be able to enjoy almost most benefits that Mexican citizens have. This also included (at my age) joining the Mexican national health insurance system (known as the IMSS). Also, after age 65, I have the Mexican Senior Citizens identification on both national and state levels. This gives me discounts for many things such as medicine purchases and travel services within México. I also obtained the equivalent of a Mexican Social Security number (RFC). To open a bank account, again, present your immigration status documents.

     My first drivers license examination was interesting. First, the license would be only valid for the period that my immigration status was covered under the FM system, one year at a time. Of course, I was required to present my immigration documents before the license would be issued. When the examiner noted that my Spanish was bad, he asked if I wanted some help in answering the required questions. Thinking that I would receive some translation help, I agreed. He took the equivalent of about $15.00 and then promptly took the form and filled out all of the answers! After that, yearly renewals were simply a matter of paying the fee after the record of any traffic infractions was checked in the computer system.

     My last drivers license application was a bit different. That time, I went to the City of México and I was able to get a permanent driver's license for about $45.00. No more renewals. This time, it was far more professional with everything in Spanish and no "help" allowed.

     I should add that in all the applications for residency in México, I was required to provide documentation to prove that I did have a viable income and in the case of my Social Security and Military pensions, I was required to present confirmation from the local US embassy.

     As a permanent legal resident of México, I have all of the rights of a Mexican citizen with two major exceptions: I cannot vote (or directly participate in political matters) and I cannot work in a cantina. I never figured out the last restriction, but I do enjoy the rights of a free press and free speech to criticize the government as I see fit. But, I am no fool; I am very careful on reporting on drug cartel matters, as many journalists in México don't.

     I have also participated in civil trials in Mexican courts involving both personal and business matters which was interesting.

     What strikes me is the fact that the Mexican government does vet and screen applicants for immigrant status in México. This last process took three months to complete. On the other hand, México has no right to complain about the requirements to prove the legality status of Mexicans in the US and any language requirements in the US (such as for drivers licenses).

     On the other hand, a lady that I know (a Mexican living in the US) is going to be allowed to answer all questions in Spanish for applying for citizenship in the US. Not so in México. You have to demonstrate a compression level of 80% in Spanish.

     From my experience, I found the process rather efficient and reasonable. It works. And in dealing with the Mexican government, I have found for the most part competent services and very few requests for mordida (bribes). This latter, however, is required in almost all dealings with the police.
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Richard N. Baldwin T., a HispanicVista.com (http://www.hispanicvista.com/) contributing columnist, lives in Tlalnepantla, Edo de México. E-mail at: R1041643422@aol.com