Voice november 2013

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

November 2013

FREE

Volume 23, Number 11

Traveling to Mexico for the Holidays and the Paisano Program

I

f you are planning to travel to Mexico for the holidays, you need to be sure you have prepared yourself and your family for the trip. There are people who are available to answer your questions, and provide you with information you may need. The staff members at your local Mexican Consulate are focused on giving you the most up-todate information about traveling to Mexico, and if you run into any problems during your trip, they are available over the phone to handle your questions and complaints.

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 control and eventually eliminate the incidents of abuse, theft, corruption and extortion 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 about these steps to ensure a smooth, successful and safe trip to Mexico. And remember, volunteers from the program will be at the border to help.

What should I bring with me to Mexico?

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 (more information below) n Your family and friend’s contact information n A cell phone n Your temporary vehicle permit n Contact information for the Mexican Consulate (from Mexico dial 01 800 201 85 42 or 1 (877) 210-9469 from the U.S.) n Any medications you may need-including a prescription stating your name

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 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 have any questions about any of these forms of identification, contact your local Mexican Consulate office: from Mexico dial 01 800 201 85 42 and from the U.S. call 1 (877) 210- 9469.

You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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, because they are not automatically provided. Though the tourist card itself is free of charge, it brings with it a tourist fee of $295 pesos (roughly $23 USD). Make sure to hold on to your tourist card after you enter Mexico because it may be checked when you leave the country and you can be fined for not having it.

If you are a Mexican citizen, it is important that you have the correct documentation (listed above) with you to prove your citizenship so you are not charged this fee.

How do I go about getting 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 Continued on next page

Traveling to Mexico for the Holidays and the Paisano Program Continued from previous page

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.

Operators are available between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

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.

If I am driving to Mexico, do I need insurance for my car?

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

What safety precautions can I take to protect myself and my family while traveling to Mexico by vehicle?

The Matricula Consular is an identification card issued by the Government of Mexico through its consulate offices to Mexican nationals residing outside of Mexico. The purpose of the card is to prove that the holder is a Mexican national living 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, operators are available between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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?

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, operators are available between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Yes. 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. Check with your insurance carrier for more details. You may also purchase Mexican auto insurance in cities and towns along the U.S.-Mexico border.

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”.

What should I do when crossing the border?

When arriving at the border, you will notice two sections, or lanes, (one of which you will need to enter). The two lanes are the “Nothing to declare lane” and the “Self –declaration lane”.

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 gently and with care, but you also must be sure to follow and comply with Mexico’s border laws.

If you encounter abuse from Mexican authority officials while you travel in Mexico, you may file a formal complaint by calling the numbers below.

Special events offered by your local Consulate office

Some Mexican Consulate offices will be holding programs this month with representatives from the Paisano program to help families understand what they need to do before traveling to Mexico. They will be on hand to answer any questions and give advice. Not all consulates will be offering these programs, so check with your local consulate office by calling 1 (877) 210-9469.

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 http://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

Produced with the support of the Employment Development Department Voice of the Fields may be reproduced

Food Banks: Where to locate them in your community

A

growing number of people in our country are struggling to make ends meet. Because of this, families are increasingly turning to their local food banks, charities and congregations for help.

In an effort to combat hunger in California communities, food banks are available to families to provide them with nutritional items.

California food banks store food and transport it to many not-for-profit organizations throughout the state including churches, schools and soup kitchens. Families can visit these different organizations and receive quality ingredients to help keep their loved ones healthy and fed.

Every county houses a different food bank and the community organizations distributing food vary as well. To get more information about these organizations, we urge you to contact your local food bank. If you have children you can check with their school to find the nearest food bank. Churches are also a great place to go for information.

A Holiday meal for you and your family:

the mentally ill and the homeless can qualify for food assistance.

If you have found yourself struggling to be able to provide your family with a holiday meal, many local charities and food banks offer families warm dinners on their premises. To find out more information, contact your local food bank about where a meal like this can be found.

What kind of food is given away?

How to qualify:

Where can I find my Local Food Bank?

Each food bank has their own rules and qualifications for providing food to families.

For some food banks, the only qualification for assistance is a need for food. Contact your local food bank to ask what qualifications they require.

Who qualifies?

According to the California Association of Food Banks, anyone in need; low income families with children, the unemployed, disabled residents, senior citizens, low income individuals with a chronic illness, teens at risk,

Much of what is distributed is fresh produce, dairy products, and frozen meats.

Food banks also have canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, fruit juices, cereal, soup and many other types of nonperishable foods.

Please visit the California Association of Food Banks’ website at www.cafoodbanks. org. Once there, click on the link “Find a food bank” in the upper right-hand corner. There, you will find a map of California. Click on your county, and the website for your county’s food bank will open. You can also call the California Association of Food Banks at 1 (510) 3509920. To assist you in finding your nearest food bank, we have provided a list of counties with the phone number to their food bank.

Alameda County Phone: (510) 635-3663

Kern County Phone: (661) 398-4520

Napa County Phone: (707) 253-6128

CAA of Butte County Phone: (530) 538-7256

Kings County Phone: (559) 582-4386

Nevada County Phone: (530) 272-3796

Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Phone: (925) 676-7543

Los Angeles County Phone: (323) 234-3030 Phone: (310) 828-6016

Orange County Phone: (714) 897-6670 Phone: (949) 653-2900

Del Norte County Phone: (707) 464-9190

Marin County Phone: (415) 282-1900

Placer County Phone: (916) 783-0481

San Luis Obispo County Phone: (805) 238-4664

El Dorado County Food Bank of El Dorado County Phone: (530) 621-9950

Mariposa County Phone: (209) 726-3663

Plumas County Phone: (530) 538-7256

Santa Clara County Phone: (408) 266-8866

Mendocino County Phone: (707) 463-2409

Riverside County Phone: (760) 775-3663

Santa Cruz County Phone: (831) 722-7110

Merced County Phone: (209) 726-3663

Sacramento County Phone: (916) 387-9000

San Mateo County Phone: (650) 610-0800

Monterey County Phone: (831) 758-1523

San Benito County Phone: (831) 637-0340

Santa Barbara County Phone: (805) 967-5741

Fresno County Phone: (559) 237-3663 Glenn County Phone: (530) 538-7256 Humboldt County Phone: (707) 445-3166

San Diego County Phone: (858) 452-3663 Phone: (858) 527-1419 San Francisco County Phone: (415) 282-1900 San Joaquin County Phone: (209) 464-7369

Shasta County Phone: (530) 226-3073 Sierra County Phone: (530) 538-7256 Solano County Phone: (925) 676-7543 Tehama County Phone: (530) 538-7256 Tulare County Phone: (559) 651-3663 Tuolumne County Amador-Tuolumne Community Phone: (209) 984-3960 Ventura County Food Share of Ventura County Phone: (805) 983-7100 Yolo County Phone: (530) 668-0690

Toys for Tots!

T

he holidays are just a couple of months away and many families face a tough dilemma – they have fallen under tough economic times and can’t spare any money to buy toys for their children. That’s where Toys for Tots can help. Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them holiday gifts. The mission of the program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as holiday gifts to needy children. Parents and friends can nominate themselves or a family they think needs help, and Toys for Tots may be able to provide toys for that family.

What are the criteria to qualify for Toys for Tots?

There are no specific qualifications to

nominate yourself or a family for Toys for Tots.

However, there is no guarantee that every family signed up will receive gifts. Which families are selected to receive toys depends on each individual local center that runs the program, how many toys that center has and the number of families nominated to receive toys. You can sign your family up to be considered by Toys for Tots by following these simple steps:

in charge of the local campaign center, along with a link. Click on this link and provide the requested information. This will generally include:

1 Go to the Toys for Tots website (www.toysfortots.org).

2 Click on the ‘Request Toys’ link at the top of the page (http://www.toysfortots.org/request_toys/default.aspx).

3 From here you will be directed to a drop down menu. Select your state and county.

4 Once you have selected a state and county, you will be presented with a name of the person

needs to receive a Toys for Tots present(s).

n Your name n Proof of residency n Age of children in the household n A brief explanation about why your family

When is the deadline to apply for Toys for Tots?

Each county’s program has its own deadlines to apply. Once you have submitted your request for toys for your children, the local Toys for Tots coordinator will contact you. If you missed the deadline this year, keep it in mind for 2014.

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

13992800

Beekeeper

$11.00

12/1/13 - 4/1/14

3

Wasco

Kern

Bakersfield WS (661) 635-2600

2

14008199

Beekeeper

$11.00

1/15/14 - 11/15/14

10

Newcastle

Placer

Sacramento WS (916) 227-0301

3

14007711

Beekeeper

$11.00

12/31/13 10/31/14

15

Oak Hills

San Bernardino

San Bernardino (909)382-0440

4

14007605

Beekeeper

$11.00

1/1/14 - 11/1/14

5

Waterford

Stanislaus

Stockton (209) 468-3500

5

14004918

Beekeeper

$11.00

1/1/14 - 11/1/14

4

Shaftner

Kern

Bakersfield WS (661) 635-2600

6

14004444

Beekeeper

$11.00

1/5/14 - 5/5/14

8

Shaftner

Kern

Bakersfield WS (661)635-2600

7

14007583

Beekeeper

$11.00

1/1/14 - 10/31/14

4

Lake Isabella

Kern

Bakersfield WS (661) 635-2600

8

14003572

Beekeeper

$11.00

1/1/14 - 6/1/14

4

Madera

Madera

Fresno WS (559) 445-5249

9

13898523

Farm Worker, Sheepherder

$1422.52 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.