Mexican Immigration Dept Implements System to Track Immigration Status and Entry of Foreigners:
Recently, Rosen Law has been advised that the Mexican Immigration Department has updated its methods to verify the immigration status of foreigners entering Mexico by plane. Under the new and improved system, the Immigration Officer will type the name of each person entering the country into a computer in able to locate his/her immigration file in a database, allowing the Officer to view in real time, among other data, whether the foreigner has a restriction on entering the Country, a pending procedure or citation, or even the status, number and type of the authorized FM-3 or FM-2 of the visitor (if any).
Therefore, please be aware that if you mistakenly attempt enter the country with a tourist visa instead of by presenting your FM-3/FM-2, it is quite possible that under the new system, the Immigration Officer will detect the mistake, and that if detected, you could face the imposition of a fine, your FM-3 could be revoked, and you could be deported or potentially even arrested.
Accordingly, to avoid a possible uncomfortable situation, Rosen Law strongly advises that you remember to always travel and enter the country with your FM-3 in hand, and procure that the Immigration Officer stamps all entries and departures in both your FM-3 and passport. If you happen to be subjected to an immigration revision upon entry, or at any other time, please always remember to 1) remain calm; 2) contact us immediately; 3) cooperate with the Immigration Officer as soon as a translator of your full confidence is present; and 4) do not lie to the Immigration Officer, but rather explain them that it was a simple mistake.
