Hola everyone!

[leeen21 27]

I am new to this forum, though I've been snooping off and on over the past several months. My boyfriend and I have been dating almost three years; we live on the border - me in Texas and him in Mexico. Pre-coronavirus, we can normally see each other every weekend, if not more often. We've decided that we're ready to take the next step and get married, and we're eager to do it soon and get the ball rolling on the visa. We're planning to get married in Mexico in a small civil ceremony over the summer and have a larger celebration with family and friends later next year.

 

We'll be filing for CR1 visas for him, as well as his two daughters (ages 10 and 13). I'm excited and also overwhelmed and nervous about the journey ahead, but thankful for this forum for the information, guidance, and encouragement!

[millefleur 5,046]

Welcome to the forum!

[TBoneTX 45,266]

Welcome to the forum!  Any news on when the border will reopen?

[leeen21 27]

Quote

Any news on when the border will reopen?

No news yet, unfortunately. Mexico has a national stay-at-home order in place through May 30, so it will likely be closed until then at least.

[TBoneTX 45,266]

Thanks.  So no one can open their shops/dental clinics, etc.?  A link to a source of details would be helpful.

[leeen21 27]

Sure - here's an article in English I found talking about today's update from Mexico (they've upgraded to a more serious "Phase 3" and are expecting the worst is still to come): https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-04-21/mexico-has-entered-most-serious-phase-3-spread-of-coronavirus-epidemic-health-ministry. And here's an article from our area of the Mexican border: https://www.elmanana.com/activa-salud-oficialmente-la-fase-3-de-covid-19-en-mexico-salud-mexico-coronavirus/5075648. Nothing specific about border closures, but I'd deduce that while both the US and Mexico are implementing restrictions, they won't open the bridges.

 

From what I can tell, Mexico isn't restricting movement quite as much as some cities/states around the U.S., and while schools have closed and many shops and businesses have closed, there are still some industries operating, including factories (of which there are many on the Mexico side of where I live), restaurants (takeout and delivery), etc. Each state is making recommendations to their residents - wear face masks, stay home, etc., but I don't know how much of that is being enforced.

[TBoneTX 45,266]

Very helpful -- thanks.  You must be closest to the Anzalduas bridge, which I've never crossed.  I imagine that there's not much except industrial activity on the Mexican side.

 

Guess I'll have to call one or two CBP ports to hear what's actually occurring.

[leeen21 27]

You are correct - I live in the McAllen/Mission area and usually cross at the Hidalgo bridge, but Anzalduas is also an option. And yes, Reynosa is very industrial with tons of factories. A lot of people from the US side of the border also cross into Reynosa for certain medical care, dental care, etc.

 

Yes, calling CBP directly would probably be the way to get the best answers.

 

The last time I (a U.S. citizen) crossed the border was March 26 - the U.S. and Mexico had already announced that the border was closed, but neither Mexico nor my county in Texas had issued stay-at-home orders. Even though the border was "closed," I had absolutely no issue crossing, was asked no questions on either side of the bridge, and did not have a temperature check (this was something that had been reported was happening at all border checkpoints - maybe it was at others, but not at the one I crossed at). I have stayed home since then for my own health/safety (and because my county is very strict on movement outside of essential business), so I don't know what the crossing is like now. In all honesty, I would not be surprised if, as a citizen or permanent resident, you could cross easily with no questions asked, but I truly don't know. If you have any questions about it, you are correct in that contacting CBP would be your best bet.

Edited April 21, 2020 by leeen21

[TBoneTX 45,266]

Very helpful again -- thanks.  I go chiefly to Nvo. Progreso (still Hidalgo County).  Next trip is rescheduled to June 1-2.  I'll look on the County website to see how visitors fit into "essential" business (medical/dental).  We also never know what the Mexicans will allow.

[leeen21 27]

Very true. I go across to Progreso often, and I'm sure the stores there are taking a hit from this closure.

 

I did find some information on the Embassy's website: https://mx.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/. It has a good summary of what Mexico is doing regarding government orders, etc.

 

Regarding the border, they say:

"The United States and Mexico entered a joint initiative March 21 restricting non-essential travel along the U.S.-Mexico land border to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  On April 20, the initiative was extended for another 30 days.  Non-essential travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature."

 

So, it seems like a tentative reopen date would be late May, but might change. Hope you're able to make it across by early June!

[TBoneTX 45,266]

Oh, geez.  Thanks!  If I have further questions (none at present), I'll send you a private message.

[onek 306]

On 4/20/2020 at 8:12 PM, leeen21 said:

I am new to this forum, though I've been snooping off and on over the past several months. My boyfriend and I have been dating almost three years; we live on the border - me in Texas and him in Mexico. Pre-coronavirus, we can normally see each other every weekend, if not more often. We've decided that we're ready to take the next step and get married, and we're eager to do it soon and get the ball rolling on the visa. We're planning to get married in Mexico in a small civil ceremony over the summer and have a larger celebration with family and friends later next year.

 

We'll be filing for CR1 visas for him, as well as his two daughters (ages 10 and 13). I'm excited and also overwhelmed and nervous about the journey ahead, but thankful for this forum for the information, guidance, and encouragement!

Welcome to VJ

[X Factor 1,112]

Welcome to VJ

[KASH2011 382]

Welcome to VJ! Good luck to you.