How will Mexican nationals get back into the US after the holidays?

Question

Every year, starting about this time, hundreds of thousands of Mexicans head back over the border for a long holiday break. In Mexico they've even instituted what they call the "Paisano Program" to welcome them and their dollars back. Check it out at: http://vivirlatino.com/2005/11/21/the-paisano-program.php


With supposed tightening of border security, how will they get back north in January? If the US were serious about stopping illegal immigration, wouldn't that be the perfect time? No reactionary, bigoted answers please. It's a serious question and I'm looking for thoughtful answers.

I've unintentionally stirred up anger among some respondents. Yes, we all know that there are many people here legally from Mexico.

My question is in reference to the undocumented Mexicans who are in the United States illegally. There are estimated to be 12 million of these people. It seems that 100s of 1000s of them plan on leaving for the holidays and then returning to El Norte in January. This is fact, not opinion.

The word "Mexican" is not a derogatory term, as some seem to think. It merely signifies a person who is a citizen of the country Mexico, not a citizen of the United States.

Answer 1

What an excellent question.

You would think this event, since it is a kind of natural flowing, self-exiling exercise by the illegals themselves, should provide our politicians a means of regulating our border.

Unfortunately this won't happen.
Many in D.C. aren't serious about immigration control.

What really gets me mad is that thousands of people are trying LEGALLY to become American citizens and are stonewalled by this same bureaucracy.

Answer 2

I live on the border and it's a very long way into the U.S from Mexico everyday for these people(2-3 hours wait to get in). They aren't just holiday shoppers, they come every weekend, or more.
If they were serious about illegal immigration they would do lots of things 1) Stop hiring them(the biggest problem) 2)Give more restrictive day passes, since these are usually abused 3) Stop the process of Mexican nationals not having to pay sales tax. In the mall in my city, you can go to a place called MELEK(think I spelled that right). My husband used to work next door to it when he was in college. Rich people from Mexico would spend thousands of dollars every week at the store he worked at, making sure to get a receipt for everything. Then they go to the exchange with their receipts, and get a full refund of any and all sales taxes paid. Yet, if you cross the border from Mexico with certain goods or a certain dollar amount of stuff(depending on the season 100-300 dollars, you must pay a tax- and even then you can't bring over some things). There is a bus from there that runs from there everyday, I have seen them go unchecked competely.

Answer 3

If you don't want reactionary bigoted answers then don't post a question that insults so many people around here. Don't turn a legitimate column with a certain message and turn it into your own personal view gain.

This Paisano Program is simply a action taken from the Mexican gov. to tackle down on bribes from cars passing through with AMERICAN GOODS that were purchased in the United States WITH American dollars by legitimate Documented Mexican Immigrants. And yes, it never mentioned in the article ANYTHING about undocumented immigrants coming back from Mexico and nevertheless welcoming their American dollars in Mexico. Like I said those dollars where spent in the U.S. taking back those products into Mexico.

Now, based on the article posted here, these people are coming back through many different ways other than the illegal process you're insinuating. That could be, working visa, visitors visa, Residential passport, even naturalized Americans. But you or myself or this article does not imply anything about your unjust allegations.

Answer 4

This caught my attention in the link.

Many drive to their home country to be with family and friends. Unfortunately, corruption is still rampant in Mexico and some government agents take advantage of travelers. Those that travel by car many times face the prospect of having to pay "mordidas" (bribes) to government agents at the many immigrant inspection points in route to their destination.

The illegal alien I think would have trouble driving thru the border I think,but I'm sure they do it all the time.I feel the Border Patrol should prevent as many as they can from returning to the US illegally.
I'm sure the legal immigrants go thru this harassment
by their own country just as often.The legals deserve to be left alone by both government.The illegals don't deserve to be robbed but they are already committing a crime here in the USA.I don't understand why Mexico is so corrupt and to its own people.

Answer 5

Well it is very easy for them to get back and forth across the border. Some of them probably go a few times a month. But you are right, that would be a perfect time to secure our border. Even if they were serious about building the fence, I don't think they would get it up fast enough.

Answer 6

The same way they got here in the first place. Hopefully the Border Patrol can do a better job now that they have the National Guard to help.

Answer 7

They will get back like they have for years. Using false documents, hiding in the trunk, or in luggage, using coyotes, and treading water (but here the water is only ankle deep). Many have been here so long that they have pretty good english and can get by with just that. The officers will also be very busy with inspections that many do "get by". Its just a giant Easter egg hunt. Some get caught, and they will try and try again, because they "have" to get back "home".

Answer 8

False identification and a handful of money will get them back across the border. Always does.

Answer 9

There will probably be fewer going back this year due to the increased border patrols/enforcement. They won't take a chance.

Answer 10

Many who return have Visas and are allowed to come back. Just because they are Mexican doesn't mean they are all illegal. They are not as stupid as you are.