World's largest U.S. consulate opens in Juarez

[rb44]

I thought you were joking, but just saw it in the el paso times.

[Gary Siete]

Originally Posted by rb44

I understand, but what about driving through to go deeper into to chihuahua, would you go see your family if they we're further in and all you had to do was drive through Juarez? do you know of anyone who has been carjacked?

I know someone who was carjacked near Lerdo at the Juarez end of the Stanton Street bridge. They took her SUV. We stay alert when we go into Juarez & no longer go to Juarez restaurants. I prefer the free bridge when coming back as carjacking is unlikely -it's all jammed up and no where for them to go.

[lipbalm]

Originally Posted by malamute

Did you read that they kidnapped the kidnapping expert from the USA?

Not to sound mean, but that is just funny/sad I would only wander around Mexico if I had a marine platoon with me at all times (with air support just in case).

[ocean2026]

At last its open!

AP: The new and long-awaited Us-Mexican Counsulate opened to a blaze of gunfire, in which 2 consulate guards were wounded and 5 civilians reported dead. It is not known at this time whether any of the civilians were Americans. In addition damage to the consulate is estimated at $1.3 million dollars. President George W. Bush in a brief statement emphasized " The United States will not tolerate acts of terror, and those responsible will be punished in the same manner as those who threw shoes at the head bimbo last week."

[Muhnay]

Ocean, please step down off that pedastel you have placed yourself. And stop attacking Bush at every chance you get, this is not the political forum. Thank You.

[ocean2026]

Muhnay - sorry you were not amused but usually my smart-ass remarks result in people giving me those reputation thingys ( often in my replies to you) so some one must enjoy them.

I do promise not to make any more comments about Bush just as soon as he keeps his promise to balance the budget!

[Tasksgirl]

Let me tell you 2 things, first they NEEDED that new building very badly. As someone who had to visit the old consulate last September, that place was tiny, understaffed, crowded, extremely hectic and dangerous outside, low security, and rundown. Outside you get harassed by people trying to take advantage of you and people get their important documents stolen and taken "hostage" in the doorways of the clinic and consulate. Thank god that place is gone. The new one should have more security.

Secondly, you want to know something very sad? This is where all the U.S. citizens and their spouses must go who want to get their spouses a green card. Believe it or not, there are actually millions of "mixed status" couples and if a U.S. citizen happens to fall in love with someone who is illegal, this is where they have to go. To one of the most dangerous places in Mexico. I know it's a controversial thing, but I have had the opportunity to talk to hundreds and meet dozens of these couples and every single one has been in love, their formally illegal husbands/wives were Americanized and hard-working, many came as children and ended up stuck here, and most of them had U.S. citizen kids. We had to spend about 2 weeks down there and were scared the entire time. That being said we went out with other couples to restaurants, malls, supermarkets, and even the movie theatre and we were all just fine. However there were killings at the same hotel we stayed at, and at the same park we went to. It's horrible down there and I can't understand why they make citizens go down there.

[lonewolfmccoy]

It's time for a Punitive Expedition 2, lol!