Tanya C. Anderson, United States Consul General in Guadalajara, took time off from regular duties Friday, January 29 for her first official visit to the Lake Chapala area.
The diplomat’s busy agenda started with a meet-and-greet at American Legion Post 7, a one-on-one with Chapala Mayor Javier Degollado who led her on a walkabout at the waterfront Malecón and,- finally, a gathering with foreign residents at the Lake Chapala Society campus.
During the last stop she gave a comprehensive talk that touched on her professional background, consular services in Guadalajara and outreach at lakeside, trends in Mexico-U.S. commerce and trade, state department public diplomacy and travel advisories issued for this country.
Having learned Spanish and Portuguese in studies at the Pontifica Universidad Católica de Ecuador, Anderson hoped that joining the foreign service would lead to a post in Mexico. After tours of duty in Asia, North Africa and Europe, 20 years later she finally got here. She spoke of the warm reception from friendly people she has received since arriving in Guadalajara last September.
She described her one-day introduction to Chapala and Ajijic as “a magical visit to an absolutely beautiful place.” She is already keen to return for down time and further exploration.
In regard to the local expat populace she said, “Your group is the largest population of American citizens in all of Mexico,” noting that are few other places in the world where consulate staff leave their offices to provide the kind of outside services offered during monthly visits to lakeside.
Anderson gave the audience a pat on the back saying, “I’ve heard a lot of your volunteerism in helping others, which is a uniquely American value.”
She stressed the consulate’s mission to look out for the security of U.S. citizens and assist those in need. She outlined available services such as issuance of passports and birth certifications, the federal benefits unit that attends up to 35,000 people in the districts of Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima and Aguascalientes, and special assistance in cases of emergency, death, arrest, abduction and domestic violence.
Explaining the consulate’s limitations, she succinctly listed what the staff can’t do: “We are not travel agents, a bank that gives out money, we are not lawyers and don’t investigate crimes, and we can’t serve as interpreters.” The consulate does have a directory of reliable professionals who may be consulted when required.
On security issues in the region, Anderson observed that crime seems to be on a decline compared to previous years. The consulate maintains close ties with the state and local law enforcement officials, she said. And the U.S. State Department issues travel advisories for Mexico that are reviewed and revised at least every six months. These include state-by-state assessments, rather than general national conditions covered in most other countries.
Following her remarks, Anderson assisted officials from the Instituto Nacional de Migración in handing out immigration documents to 31 foreigners who have been granted permanent and temporary residence status.