With the increasing reports of criminal acts committed against migrants, the Mexican government instituted new policies specifically to address the issues. Thus, last May 24, 2011, Mexican President Felipe Calderon signed the new Migration Act into law.
The Ley de Migracion aims to favor the human rights of migrants regardless of nationality and covers all foreigners currently residing in the country. The law decriminalizes migration into Mexico and mandated the creation of the Center for Evaluation and Control of Trust that would oversee the actions and conduct of immigration authorities.
Furthermore, the law provides new criteria and rules in the issuance of visas or permits to enter to be granted to foreigners either of a temporary or permanent nature. These include retention of status for those individuals holding FM2 or FM3 status and providing them opportunities to extend such status. The new requirement though is the individual must process the extension thirty (30) days prior to expiry of the original permit to be able to legally remain in the country. FM3 or temporary residence visas can be renewed for up to four (4) years and can be renewed three (3) times after original issuance. For those holding FM2 or permanent residence visas, the extension would be up to five (5) years and renewable every year.
For FM2 visa holders, the individual must not be out of the country for more than two (2) years. On the fourth year of the visa, the individual can apply to become an "Immigrado" on the condition that visa holder has not been abroad for more than eighteen (18) months either continuously or in periods. For visitor visa holders, the total validity of the visa would be one hundred eighty (180) days and after such lapse of time the person must leave the country. After such time, the individual can return to the country.
The new law also changes the designations from FM2 and FM3 to green card system. This card would also need more paperwork as to the reason to enter the country or be prove gainful employment. There are many other changes to be employed as the proper authorities institute policies and paperwork.
Thus, when traveling or migrating to Mexico, it is important to be properly appraised of the current immigration rules in force in the country that affects tourists and immigrants alike. The new Foreigner's Act details new provisions that affects travelers to the country.
Bobby Castro is the online editor at Gringos, where he has published a number of articles about Mexico news for expats and many other topics.
Orignal From: The New Foreigners Act In Mexico
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