U.S. Consulate explores Guanajuato development projects 

Beyond the bustling and colorful streets of Guanajuato city and other colonial jewels like San Miguel de Allende, the Guanajuato countryside is peppered with small towns.  Traveling outside the major cities, the Public Affairs Officer from the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara recently visited several of these small towns to take a look at local economic development projects sponsored by the Bajío Community Foundation... (more)

New $5 Bill Entered Circulation March 13th

Cross-border shoppers are likely to see a new US$5 bill—the new bank note started circulating March 13, 2008.  The bill will have a new purple tint around President Abraham Lincoln, two new watermarks and a big numeral “5” on the back, not so much a counterfeiting deterrent as an aide for the visually impaired. 

The many new security features being added to the $5 bill are fully described on the U.S. Department of the Treasury website.

Survey: Did You Have Problems Migrating to Mexico?

The Mexican Government is conducting a perception survey among citizens of the United States and Canada living in Mexico in order to identify the main difficulties they faced during the process of migrating to Mexico and once they have settled in the country.  Its purpose is to collect information, analyze the main difficulties, and propose policy changes to facilitate migration to Mexico.

Your participation is completely voluntary; please forward it to any other US or Canadian citizens living in Mexico you may know.  All information provided will remain anonymous and strictly confidential, and will only be used for the purpose of this study.  Follow this link to complete the 5 minute survey.

Opportunities for Study in the United States

Did you know that in 2007 there were 14,922 students from Mexico studying in the United States?  Think there’s nothing available for you?  Think again!  The alternatives are numerous.  Perhaps you prefer a small four-year private university in New England, or maybe you’re looking for a “starter” program at a two-year technical school in the Southwest, or maybe you’re looking for the typical U.S. college experience and want to go to a large, public university in the Midwest – all these options, and more, are available.  (more)   

Earthquake Preparedness for You and Your Family

Being prepared BEFORE an earthquake is the best way to ensure you and your family stay safe. The El Bajio Region is considered an active seismic zone, making this area susceptible to earthquakes.   The probability of a major earthquake actually occurring is small; however the destruction and disruption of services caused by a major earthquake makes it important to plan for an earthquake ahead of time. (more)

Curtis Exhibition opens in Guanajuato 

The U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara participated in the opening ceremony for the exhibition of Edward S. Curtis’ photographs of American Indians, “Sacred Legacy” in Guanajuato.  The exhibition has traveled around the Western Hemisphere since 2005 and will continue its tour in Mexico through the beginning of 2009. 

Edward S. Curtis was a renowned photographer and ethnographer who, between 1900 and 1930, developed a photographic record of more than eighty of North America’s native nations.  This unique exhibition of sixty-two fine art photographic prints highlights the diversity among Native American people and their cultures as well as provides an extraordinary example of Curtis’s photographic talent.

The exhibition is currently at the historic Museo Regional de Guanajuato “Alhóndiga de Granaditas” until June 1, 2008, after which it will travel to Torreón, Monterrey and Guadalajara.

The April Consular Newsletter is available! 

>> Open April 2008 Consular Newsletter

U.S./Mexico Avocado Program in Michoacan

Under a cooperative service agreement signed by the United States Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Avocado Export Program Association, a series of requirements were agreed upon for Mexican avocado producers to export their products to the United States.  As part of this agreement, APHIS International Services has been working side-by-side with avocado producers in Mexico to ensure the requirements of the agreement are met, thus allowing products to reach their final destination as quickly as possible. (more) 

United States Peace Corps Volunteers Promote Economic Development and Environmental Conservation

Statement by Ms. Leslie Bassett, Chargé d'Affaires ad Interim

Mexico City, December 19, 2007 — “Peace Corps volunteers demonstrate an extraordinary level of commitment to public service and represent the best of America’s volunteer spirit. Working side by side with their Mexican counterparts to promote Mexico’s economic development and environmental conservation, Peace Corps volunteers in Mexico foster greater mutual understanding and cooperation... (more)

H-2B Worker Rights & Responsibilities

Did you know that Mexico sends more H-2B workers to the U.S. than any other country in the world?  Of these workers, a significant number are residents of the El Bajio region of Mexico, with a particular concentration in the State of Michoacan. 

If you’re an H2 worker, a family member or friend of an H2 worker or are an employer of H2 workers, please review the following article for details on both the rights and the responsibilities of H2 workers in the United States. (more)

Thinking about Retiring Abroad - perhaps in San Miguel de Allende?

It's important to carefully consider both the benefits and the inevitable challenges before making this decision.  Below are several recent articles that provide food for thought for those who are making this life-changing decision.

• "Retiring Abroad", AARP SegundaJuventud