Holiday travelers flock to Mexican Consulate 

By Luz Peña / Vida En El Valle

Last Tuesday the Mexican Consulate in Fresno looked like an airport terminal during the holiday season as thousands of people were waiting patiently for their turn at the counter.

From seven in the morning they were waiting to fill out or submit their applications for their return to México and after 9 a.m. the lines were long with more people arriving to stand in line.

Patricia Mendoza from San Joaquín left the Mexican Consulate with a smile of relief. Mendoza will be able to return to Guanajuato, México to visit her family. She hasn't seen her uncles and grandparents in three years due to job responsibilities and lack of money.

"I want to see my grandparents again because they are old and ill. My grandmother has diabetes and when the elderly get sick it's more difficult for them," said Mendoza. "Christmas time with them is filled with the warmth and love of family."

The sidewalk in front of the Mexican Consulate disappeared because it was filled with people dressed in jackets, sweaters or coats, scarves and gloves to keep them warm in the cold morning air. Some were sipping coffee or hot chocolate while they waited for their turn.

The rush to fill out applications began about three weeks ago. On weekdays from 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. between 200 and 240 people are attended to the Mexican Consulate in Fresno because of time and lack of personnel. Sacramento has the same office hours, but many times they stay open after hours to help the majority of people in line. Although doors open at 8 many come between 5 or 7 in the morning to reserve their spot in line. Because of the rise in number of people coming in for services the Fresno office will be open for two Saturdays this month. The Sacramento office had its special office hours last Saturday from 9 a.m to 3 p.m.

Eva Ramírez, who was walking fast to keep herself warm, from Firebaugh, is going to visit her relatives in Michoacán from December through January of 2006. Ramírez says that Christmas with her parents is very special.

"Because it is the most beautiful month and season in México," she stated. "When I can't go, I miss my people."

Saúl Solís, from Shafter, is going to visit his family in Guanajuato, México; he'll be visiting his grandparents, aunts, uncles and in-laws.

"It's time to celebrate, to be with family and friends. We celebrate Christmas, New Year's and Three Kings Day before coming back," he said. "My parents are already here but my wife's parents are not."

Raquel Rodríguez, a Hanford resident, is from La Piedad, Michoacán and says she likes to be with her family in México because of the posadas, nativity scenes, piñatas, and Three Kings Day.

"Christmas over there is much better because it's not the same and you also get to visit your family and your country. I miss my family and the food," said Rodríguez.

Special Saturday hours for Fresno are Dec. 10 and 17 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Guía Paisano 2005-2006 (The Nationalist's Guide 2005-2006) offers advice if you are going to travel on the highway. Also it includes information about products and food you can and can not bring from México.

For more information in Fresno please call (559) 233-3065 and mark extensions 24 and 25 for prerecorded information about passports, or extensions 26 or 27 for prerecorded information about a matrícula.In Sacramento please call (916) 441-3287.