Mexican Guide for Migrants: Special Edition

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElsUOsXswN0

A How-to Guide for Mexican Migrants making their journey to the United States of America. Brought to you by the Mexican Government.

MAIN POINTS:

INTRODUCTION

Dear fellow citizen:

This guide tries to provide you with some practical advice that may be useful to you in case you have made the difficult decision to seek new work opportunities outside of your own country.

As you read this guide you can also learn some basic questions about legal consequences of your stay in the United States of America without appropriate immigration documents, as well as the rights you have in that country once you are there, independent of your immigration status.

Always keep in mind that there are mechanisms for you to enter the United States of America legally.

RISKS

Crossing the river can be very risky, especially if you cross alone and at night..

Thick clothing weighs you down when it's wet and makes it hard to swim or float.

If you cross in the desert, try to travel when the heat is not so intense.

BE CAREFUL OF ALIEN SMUGGLERS

If you decide to use the services of a "pollero", "coyote" or "patero" to cross the border, consider the following precautions to take:

Don't let him out of your sight; remember that he's the only one that knows the terrain and therefore is the only one that can guide you safely.
Do not trust anyone who offers to cross you over to the "other side" and asks you to drive a vehicle or carry a package for him. Regularly those packages contain drugs or other prohibited substances. For that reason many people have ended up in jail.

DO NOT USE FALSE DOCUMENTS OR DOCUMENTS OF OTHER PEOPLE, NOR DECLARE A FALSE NATIONALITY

IF YOU ARE DETAINED

Do not assault or insult the officer.

Do not throw stones or other objects at the officers nor at the patrol cars, because this is considered a form of provocation.

If the officers feel they've been assaulted they will probably use force to detain you.

It's better for you to be detained for a few hours and be repatriated to Mexico than to get lost in the desert.

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED, YOU HAVE RIGHTS!

Give your true name.

If you are a minor and are accompanied by an adult, tell the authorities so they do not separate you.

You are not obligated to disclose your immigration status when you are detained.

If you drink don't drive, since if you do not have papers you can be detained and deported.

Avoid noisy parties because the neighbors can get upset and call the police, and you could be arrested.

Avoid family or domestic violence. As in Mexico, it is a crime in the United States.

Domestic violence does not consist solely of hitting others but also can be threats, shouting or mistreatment.

If you are accused of domestic violence against your children, your mate or someone else who lives with toy, you could go to jail. In addition, Child Protective Services authorities could take away your children.

If the police enter your house or apartment, do not resist, but ask to see a search warrant. It's better to cooperate with them and ask to speak to the nearest Mexican Consulate.

Get Near to the Consulate...

Embrace Mexico.

It's your home, fellow countryman!