Robin Matthewman, the new United States Consul General in Guadalajara, paid her first official visit to the Lake Chapala area Thursday, November 29, appearing as guest of honor at the National Migration Institute (INM) ceremony for 55 foreign citizens who have recently obtained resident status in Mexico.
The diplomat assisted INM Jalisco Delegate Rodolfo Pedrero Rojas, Chapala Mayor Moisés Anaya Aguilar and other dignitaries in handing out permanent and temporary resident green cards to immigrants from the United States, Canada and Latin America.
After offering a warm welcome to Matthewman, who began her tenure in Guadalajara in September, Pedrero addressed the crowd of visa recipients. Looking back on a long career in government service, he spoke of changes that have streamlined immigration procedures, pointing to the opening of Chapala’s INM branch office and greater authority given to the state delegation to resolve applications.
“I have instructed my personnel in Chapala to provide whatever orientation and support required so you don’t need to pay for intermediaries,” he said. “Paperwork will be processed as fast as possible.”
Matthewman congratulated the new visa holders, noting, “Your presence and activities here demonstrate goodwill to Mexico.” She mentioned that she and her husband are considering lakeside as a retirement destination when her Guadalajara tour of duty ends in three years’ time.