Nuevo Laredo

Return of migrants from US back to Mexico across border

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• published: 21 Jul 2015
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Nuevo Laredo - 30 November 2005 1.Two shots of traffic crossing border custom's line 2.Mid shot of Mexican army at post 3.Mid shot of army personnel at border check point 4.Wide of same 5.Mid shot of Bienvenido Paisano's (Welcome Countrymen) program claims building 6.Various of custom's agent overseeing traffic crossing 7.Mid shot of Mexican customs sign to traffic crossing 8.SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Juan, Returning Immigrant: "Everything is working very well. Yes we are coming to spend Christmas with the family." 9.Custom's agent speaking to driver 10.SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Luis, Returning Immigrant: "At first they (custom's agents) tried to do no good saying that I didn't respect the red light when it was green for me. They later changed their mind, I don't know why." 11.Car driving into Mexican territory 12.SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Pedro Angel Contreras, Nuevo Laredo's Customs Administrator: "We hope that this year we don't have complains from the Paisanos (referring to Mexican citizen's returning to Mexico during the holiday season), that's our goal. Everyone is committed that complaints won't happen. Every area of the Federal Government, especially the custom's administration. Many people are in place throughout the border, particularly in Nuevo Laredo as this is the biggest crossing point, to prevent irregularities such us corruption cases against our people." 13. Agents searching contents travelling in vehicle 14. Mid shot of same San Antonio, Texas - 2 December 2005 15.Wide shot of building 16.Mid shot of Texan flag 17. Wide shot of Mexican consulate 18.Mid shot of Paisano's programme kit 19.Mid shot of Mexicans in waiting room 20.SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Ricardo, Returning Immigrant: "So far thanks God, in our case, everything has been ok. Nothing has happened to us. At times we have been stopped in check points but we were able to cross. They were just routinely checking" Nuevo Laredo - 30 November 2005 21.Mid shot of car driving into Mexican territory after crossing border line STORYLINE Since Mexican President Vicente Fox inaugurated this year's "Paisano" programme early last month, hundreds of migrants and other Mexicans are already returning home for the holidays. Part of the federal government, the "Paisano" programme offers assistance to migrant workers and encourages them to maintain ties to their hometowns in Mexico. Fox promised to set up a hotline so that migrants who face abuse or discrimination from Mexican officials can call directly to the President's office to make their complaints heard. Because migrants often return for the holidays bearing gifts, cash and new cars, they were often the target of extortion or robbery, sometimes involving police or other officials. Fox said he would personally oversee the program. The "Paisano" programme, started in 1989, is intended to prevent such abuse and ensure a warm welcome for returning countrymen. The programme uses undercover inspectors to ensure nobody is shaken down for bribes at airports or border gates. During the programme, which runs through January, about 1,300 volunteers will staff 113 posts around the country to help guide and orient returning migrants. In some border towns, the government has also begun escorting caravans of returning migrants to protect them from becoming victims of corruption. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/f525ef976f121436e0774c76881aadd1 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork