In a sign that the lakeside area is maintaining its appeal to foreign settlers, the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) delivered 37 new residency visas at a ceremony held Thursday, August 25 at the Centro Cultural González Gallo.
The “green card” recipients included 20 individuals who have obtained permanent status and 17 others admitted as temporary residents. Among the group were citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Denmark.
Jalisco INM chief Ricardo Vera Lira and Chapala branch office head Guillermina Cortés Sanabria presided at the event. Guest dignitaries on hand to assist included Guadalajara’s U.S. Consul General Tanya C. Anderson and Chapala Mayor Javier Degollado.
Stepping to the podium following Vera’s opening remarks, Anderson emphasized the strong bonds built between the United States, Mexico and northern neighbor Canada through shared interests in promoting trade, culture and education.
“Congratulations to all of you who have chosen to make Chapala your home,” she said. “You are the true ambassadors who demonstrate the good will and charity of the American people.”
Degollado also took the mike, offering a warm welcome to “Chapala’s new sons and daughters.”