The Uniting Families (‘Uniendo Familias’) initiative is promoted by the Jalisco International Federation and Club Huejotitán.
17 residents receive visas at Jocotepec City Hall in the presence of representatives of the Jalisco International Federation and Club Huejotitán, March 4, 2022. Photo: Courtesy.
Héctor Ruiz Mejía (Jocotepec).- At least 17 people from the municipality of Jocotepec received temporary visas to reunite with their undocumented family members in the United States, after years without seeing each other.
The temporary visas were obtained thanks to the «Uniting Families» program, promoted by the Jalisco International Federation, in coordination with the Huejotitán Club, and the municipality.
In a public event in the Jocotepec main plaza, on Friday, March 4, 2022, 17 visas were handed out to residents who left the following day for San Jose, California to be reunited with their undocumented family members after years of not seeing each other. The initiative provides full support for flight expenses to the United States, as well as lodging. The visas are valid for 10 years and are eligible for renewal.
While this is seen as a step in the right direction, more needs to be done as there are still more than 190 applications to be reviewed from other residents wishing to be reunited with their families.
During the emotional event, in addition to handing out visas, the municipality also gave recognition to the staff of the Huejotitán Club and the Jalisco International Federation, «for their important work» in fulfilling dreams.
In his address, the municipal president, José Miguel Gómez López, spoke about the situation that many Mexican families face when one or more family members leave in search of better opportunities. When this entails going to other countries, the result is often a breakup of the family unit.
Although the president himself was unable to accompany the beneficiaries to San Jose, California for their long awaited reunion, the municipal trustee, Carlos Alberto Zúñiga Chacón, attended on his behalf.
The spokesperson for the municipality, Felipe Aguilar Montes de Oca, told residents that applications were still being accepted for others looking for support.
The only requirements to be considered for the program are to be 60 years of age or older; have a valid passport; have at least one direct family member (such as a child or sibling) living undocumented in the United States, and have no criminal record in the United States or Mexico.
Translated by Rebecca Zittle
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