La voz november 2014 english

FA R M L A B O R I N F O R M AT I O N B U L L E T I N

Voice of the Fields California

December 2014

FREE

Volume 24, Number 11

Traveling to Mexico for the Holidays and the Paisano Program

I

f you are planning to travel to Mexico for the holidays, there are steps you should take to prepare yourself and your family for the trip. For a safe and easy trip, it is important that you understand and comply with Mexican laws, and take a few precautions.

To help travelers get through the border with ease, Mexico’s Federal government introduced the Paisano Program. The program places volunteers at the U.S.-Mexican border, and other entry points, such as airports and bus terminals, to provide paperwork for entry and other information to visitors.

The year-round program focuses on bringing better service and safety to people returning to their home country. They hope to eliminate the incidents of abuse, theft and corruption at Mexican borders, while making travel easier for people during the holiday season.

In preparation for traveling to Mexico, it is a great idea to determine what you need to have when entering the country.

Read on to find out more information Tijuana

Mexicali Ensenada

UNITED STATES

Puerto Penasco

San Quintin

Isla Cedros

North Pacific Ocean

Ojinaga

Hermosillo

Piedras Negras

Chihuahua

Guaymas

Delicias

Cuidad Obregon

Santa Rosalia

Loreto

Ciudad Juarez

Nogales

Nuevo Laredo Hidalgo del Parral

Gulf of California

Monclova

Los Mochis Torreon

Saltillo

Monterrey

Matamoros

Gulf of Mexico

Culiacan La Paz

Durango

San Lucas

Cuidad Victoria

Mazatlan Zacatecas

Ciudad Mante

Tepic Guadalajara

Tampico

San Luis Potosi

Aquascalientes Islas Marias

Progreso Merida

Guanajuato Leon Queretaro Pachuca Morelia

Colima Manzanillo

Isla de Cozumel

Poza Rica Bahia de Campeche

Mexico City

Xalapa Tlaxcala Veracruz Toluca Puebla Orizaba Cuernavaca

Villahermosa

Lazaro Cardenas

Coatzacoalcos Chilpancingo Acapulco

of the following documents to prove you are a Mexican citizen: a passport, birth certificate, military ID, Matricula Consular Certificate, or Declaration of Mexican Nationality or naturalization document. If you do not have the aforementioned documentation, you may simply state your citizenship.

As a Mexican Citizen you will need to complete a free form (migratory FEM) for statistical information.

If you are a foreigner entering Mexico, you will need a Mexican tourist card—officially the forma migratoria para turista (FMT)—that must be completed and stamped by Mexican immigration officials when you enter Mexico, and kept until you leave. Tourist cards are available at official border crossings and international airports and ports. At the U.S.–Mexico border, you will have to ask for the card.

Though the tourist card itself is free of charge, it brings with it a tourist fee of $306 pesos (roughly $22 USD).

Campeche

Chetumal

BELIZE

Oaxaca Salina Cruz Puerto Escondido

Tuxtla Gutierrez

Golfo de Tehuantepec

Comitan

GUATEMALA Tapachula

HONDURAS

EL SALVADOR

about these steps to ensure a smooth, successful and safe trip to Mexico.

What documents do I need to prove my citizenship in order to enter Mexico?

According to the Paisano Program, you need to prove your citizenship in order to enter Mexico. When you arrive in Mexico, you will need one of any

Continued on next page

How do I obtain a Mexican Passport?

If you are a Mexican citizen, to make your trip into Mexico and back to the U.S. faster and easier, it is recommended that you obtain a Mexican Passport through the Mexican Consulate office.

To do this, you need to make an appointment by calling 1 (877) MEXITEL, or 1 (877) 639-4835.

If you already have a Mexican Passport, and need it to be renewed, call the number listed above. Once you receive your appointment date, you need to bring your previous passport and two color photos. There will be a fee to renew your passport.

What is a Matricula Consular and how do I get one?

The Matricula Consular is an identification card issued by the Government of Mexico through its consulate offices to Mexican nationals residing outside of Mexico. It includes a Government of Mexico issued ID number, a photograph, and your address outside of Mexico. To obtain your Matricula you need to schedule an appointment with the Consulate office by calling 1 (877) MEXITEL or 1 (877) 639-4835.

What do I need to do for the temporary importation of my car in order to travel through Mexico with U.S. issued license plates? Do I need insurance?

If you plan on driving to Mexico, you will be able to temporarily import your car for a maximum of 180 days. You need to obtain and fill out the appropriate paperwork which can be found online at www.banjercito.com.mx, at your local Mexican Consulate office in California (call to make sure your office

offers this service), or at the Banjercito offices located at the Mexican border.

You must be the registered owner of the car, or, if you are making payments on the vehicle, have registered plates, in your name, from the DMV. For questions, call 1 (877) MEXITEL or 1 (877) 639-4835.

Although having automobile insurance in Mexico is not required by law, the Consulate of Mexico recommends all vehicles traveling to Mexico purchase Mexican car insurance. If your vehicle is insured in the U.S., the policy will not be valid in Mexico. You may also purchase Mexican auto insurance in cities and towns along the U.S.-Mexico border.

What should I do when crossing the border?

When arriving at the border, you will notice two lanes and you will need to select one to enter.

Go to the “Nothing to declare lane” when you’re sure what you have brought with you to Mexico will not exceed the permitted limit.

Go to the “Self-declaration Lane” when you bring items worth more than the personal and family exemptions ($75 USD normally/$300 USD during the holidays).

If you choose the wrong lane by mistake, you can ask a Customs inspector for an appraisal of your goods, so you can pay the correct duties and taxes.

Remember, when your belongings are being inspected, you must be treated with courtesy and respect. The inspectors must also handle your belongings with care, but you also must be sure to follow and comply with Mexico’s border laws.

If you encounter abuse from Mexi-

can authority officials while you travel in Mexico, you may file a formal complaint by calling the numbers below.

It is best to be well prepared when traveling! Remember, everyone’s circumstances are different, and not all situations are covered in this article.

Please visit www.paisano.gob.mx or call them at 1 (877) 210-9469 (from the U.S.) or 01 800-201-8542 (when calling from Mexico). You can also call the Mexican Consulate toll-free for more information about traveling to and from Mexico. To contact the Consulate from the U.S. dial 1 (877) 210-9469, from Mexico dial 01 800 201 8542. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Voice of the Fields California Circulation: 45,000 copies

www.LaCooperativa.org Published monthly by: La Cooperativa Campesina de California 1107 9th Street, Suite 420, Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone 916.388.2220 Fax 916.388.2425 This product was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

The opinions expressed in this product are exclusive of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.

Preparing for Your Trip to Mexico

T

aking the time to prepare yourself and your family prior to traveling to Mexico will ensure a much smoother and enjoyable trip, especially during the busy holiday season.

As you prepare, your local Mexican Consulate is available to provide the most up-to-date information about traveling to Mexico, as well as assist with forms and any questions and complaints.

The following is a list of what you should have ready before you begin your travels: n Important travel documents to prove your Mexican citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, military ID, Matricula Consular Certificate, or Declaration of Mexican Nationality or naturalization document). If you’re not a Mexican citizen and are a U.S. citizen, bring your U.S. Passport. n A map of your drive to Mexico, as well as a map of your final destination n Mexican car insurance n Your temporary vehicle permit n Your family and friend’s contact information n A cell phone n Any medications you may need—including a prescription stating your name n Contact information for the Mexican Consulate (from Mexico dial 01 800 201 85 42 or 1 (877) 210-9469 from the U.S.)

What are some tax-free items that I may bring with me to Mexico?

You may bring with you any items that are part of your personal baggage, including: your clothes, shoes, toiletries and some electronic devices (including cell

phones, a radio, laptop and a DVD player) tax-free. If you are traveling with a baby, any items for room or transportation of the baby are permitted tax-free. For a detailed list of what you are allowed to bring into Mexico, tax-free, visit http://www. paisano.gob.mx/index.php.

All other items are taxable at a flat rate of 16% if they are worth more than $300 United States Dollars (USD) (raised from the normal $75 USD for the holidays).

However, this amount applies to each person and can be combined for family members (including kids) traveling together in the same car. If you have a question about something that is not listed on the website, and would like to know if you can bring it into Mexico tax-free, check with your local Mexican Consulate office before your trip.

I have a pet, and I would like to bring it with me when I travel to Mexico. What do I need to do?

You can bring a dog or cat with you to Mexico, but there are steps you must take to ensure it will be allowed across the border with you. You are required to carry the original, as well as a photocopy, of the Health Certificate from a registered veterinarian and valid certificate of vaccination issued within 15 days prior to your departure. These certificates must be provided to the Office of Animal and Plant Health Inspection when entering Mexico. If you transport one to three pets, there is no payment required. If you

transport four or more, you must make a payment of about $140 USD ($1,817 Pesos) for the issuance of the Import Health Certificate.

I am packing food to bring with me to Mexico. What am I not permitted to bring with me?

To protect Mexico’s agriculture, animal products and plants are not allowed to cross the border. The Paisano Program’s website, recommends that you do not bring the following: n Flowers, plants, or dirt n Fruit, seeds or grains n Hay, straw, palm or coconut n Homemade food n Animal meats, in any form n Eggs, feathers n Milk, or milk products in any form n Pet food What safety precautions should I take to protect myself and my family while traveling to Mexico by vehicle?

The Consulate of Mexico reminds you that it is important to take common sense measures when traveling. These measures include traveling only during the day, not carrying large amounts of cash (or not carrying cash at all), and traveling only designated roads. To make traveling easier, the consulate has a service to provide you with the safest and shortest driving routes, as well as an estimated fuel cost. It is called Point to Point Routes, and it can be found on their website: http://www.paisano. gob.mx and follow the link titled “Trace Your Route”.

Risk of Ebola Virus in California “Extremely Low”

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here have been many stories on the news about the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). EVD is an infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus. While it is a very serious disease, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), it is important to note, “the risk of the spread of EVD in California is extremely low.” As of this printing, no confirmed cases have been identified in California.

As the CDPH says, “our advanced health care system has appropriate protocols in place to prevent the spread of this often deadly disease. We should be aware of the disease, its symptoms and its potential, but it is extremely unlikely that Ebola poses a public health risk to Californians.”

In addition, the state has issued a quarantine order for anyone who has traveled to an Ebola virus affected area (Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone in Africa) AND has had contact with a person with a confirmed case of the EVD. Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure and include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting,

stomach pain, and abnormal bleeding.

According to the CDPH, important facts about Ebola include: n Current science shows that people CANNOT get EVD through the air, food, or water. n Ebola virus is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected symptomatic person or though exposure to objects

(such as needles) that have been contaminated. n Persons are not contagious until they develop symptoms. n Persons at highest risk for EVD include healthcare workers and family and friends of infected patients. n Early identification of cases is crucial. n Effective isolation of patients and appropriate infection control measures applied to any suspect EVD patient would contain any potential spread.

The CDPH has also set up a hotline, 855-421-5921 to respond to public questions about Ebola. It will be in operation from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

As a reminder, there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in California and no suspect cases.

Agricultural Jobs available to U.S. workers under H-2A contract

You may apply for these jobs by phone or in person at your nearest Employment Development Department (EDD) field office Active

CalJobs Number

Job Title

Pay Rates

Contract Dates

Positions

City of Job

Employer’s County (for ECMS)

EDD Workforce Service Site Office

1

14230797

Farmworker Blueberries

$11.01 HR

01/19/15 - 0704/15

10

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

Santa Maria WS (805)614-1550

2

14232530

Beekeeper

$11.01 HR

01/15/15 11/15/15

10

Newcastle

Placer County

Sacramento WS (916)227-0301

3

14231775

Farmworker Grapes

$11.01 HR

02/02/15 11/06/15

18

Napa

Napa

Vallejo WS (707)6484024

4

13898523

Farmworkers Sheepherder

$1600.34 Mo.

on-going

206

California and Western States

California and Western States

Selected EDD WSB Offices

The H-2A temporary agricultural program allows agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers to the U.S. to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature. The H-2A employers must demonstrate that qualified U.S. workers are not available for the job and the employment of temporary foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed. Preference in hiring will be given to qualified U.S. workers before employers are allowed to bring in foreign workers under the program.