"I do not want to go to Ciudad Juárez"

By Joseph B. De Mott
Certified by Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Immigration Law

Question,
Attorney: They say I can’t fix my papers here in the United States because I don’t have legal entry and I am not allowed to pay the fine since no one filed for me when that law was still in effect. I don’t want to go to the U.S. Consulate in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. Can I go to someplace else in Mexico? Also, can I get a work permit while I am waiting for my consular appointment in Ciudad Juarez?

Answer: Unfortunately the only United States consulate in Mexico that issues immigrant visas is the Consulate in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. As you know, there has been much violence in Ciudad Juarez. In fact, the U.S. consular offices recently were closed there for a couple of days, but are now opened again. Until the US Government makes a change in processing, if you are from Mexico and want to fix your papers at the United States Consulate in Mexico for your Immigrant Visa, you’ll have to go to Ciudad Juarez.

Regarding a work permit, I am afraid that you will not be given a work permit until you return from your green card appointment in Ciudad Juarez with your approved green card. It used to be years ago that Immigration would give work permits to people who were waiting for their consular appointments. However, Immigration has not done that for a long time. You have to go to Ciudad Juarez, apply for your immigrant visa, apply for a pardon if you have too much unlawful presence in the United States, and hopefully be able to return quickly with your immigrant visa with which you are allowed to work.
All this process is somewhat complicated and you should probably seek advice from an Immigration lawyer who has had success in processing these cases through Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. You don’t want to go to Mexico and be told that you cannot return from for 10 years.

Good Luck to you!

Send your questions to:

Joseph B. De Mott
Immigration Attorney
8930 Fourwinds, Suite 106
San Antonio, Texas 78239-1971
(210) 590-1844