ENTERING THE U.S. HAS CHANGED • WHTI Land and Sea Final Rule - Implementation to Occur on June 1, 2009 • Information on new land and sea entry requirements for U.S. citizens • Apply for the new passport card for land and sea border crossings

Embassy Highlight

Honoring Patriots and Remembering 9/11
Mexico City, September 11, 2008 - “Today the Embassy and Consulates fly the flag at half staff in tribute to the courageous men and women who serve and protect the United States and preserve our freedom, and to remember the men and women from over 90 countries, including Mexico, whose lives were taken seven years ago in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.” (complete text)

Passport Cards Simplify Travel for Frequent Border-Crossers
Mexico City, September 4, 2008 - “Today I received one of the first of the new passport cards being issued by the Department of State to help make crossing the border easier for U.S. citizens. Now, when I visit family along the border where I grew up, with the passport card in my wallet I can have lunch in Mexico and head back to the U.S. for dinner.

“These new passport cards will simplify travel for the millions of U.S. citizens who live along the border by giving them an easily portable, secure and less expensive alternative to the traditional passport book for use when crossing from one side to the other.” (complete text)

2008-2009 U.S. Fulbright-Gracía Robles Grantees Arrive in Mexico
Mexico City, August 27, 2008- “Today 80 students and professors from across the United States began their Fulbright fellowships in Mexico. They will spend this academic year based in cities and towns across Mexico, where some of them will teach English, some will work in Mexican companies, and some will study topics ranging from history, to biology, to art. They will be based in Mexico City, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Jalisco, the Yucatan, and other parts of the country. No matter what their focus or where they are located, all of them will learn much about Mexico and teach Mexicans about the United States as well.” (complete text)

U.S. and Mexico Cooperate Against AIDS
Op-ed by Ambassador Garza published by daily Reforma on August 4, 2008 - “The theme of the 17th International AIDS Conference is 'Universal Action Now.' The Governments of Mexico and the United States are taking action to stop the AIDS pandemic. But it is not the work of governments alone. Parents should talk with their children about this epidemic; companies should not penalize workers for seeking treatment; and people should get tested without fear of retribution or rejection.” (complete text)

Remarks by Leslie Bassett, Deputy Chief of Mission, at the Border Security Conference
August 11, 2008 - “Border security is an increasingly important part of our internal homeland defense strategy, and a key topic in our broad dialogue with Mexico. This conference is always a very useful forum to explore where we are, where we hope to be, and how to get there.”(complete text)

Treasury Designates the Financial Network of Major Sinaloa Cartel Operator Rigoberto Gaxiola Medina as subject to economic sanctions under Kingpin Act
August 5, 2008 - The financial network designated by the U.S. Treasury Department is comprised of 14 companies in the Mexican states of Sonora, Sinaloa and Jalisco, including: 4 mining firms, Minera Río Presidio, S.A. de C.V., Minera La Castellana y Anexas, S.A. de C.V., Copa de Plata, S.A. de C.V. and Compañía Minera del Río Cianury, S.A. De C.V.; a car dealership, Distribuidora Gran Auto, S.A. De C.V.; and a private gym, Bioesport, S.A. De C.V. (complete text)

DHS Announces Implemetation of Pre-Travel Authorization for U.S.-Bound Travelers from Visa Waiver Countries
August 1, 2008 - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which began to accept VOLUNTARY applications starting on August 1, 2008. ESTA is a new fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. (complete text)

Ambassador Garza Receives Mexican Legislators
Mexico City, July 24, 2008 - “With respect to Mr. Medellin, I made clear that he has been afforded all judicial due process under U.S. law, and that we should not lose sight of the fact that the real victims in this case are the two teenage girls he brutally raped and murdered.... I closed by assuring the delegation that the United States is committed to meeting its obligations to provide consular access and notification when foreign citizens are arrested.” (complete text)

Garza: U.S. Government Supports Mexican Youth and Teachers
Mexico City, July 23, 2008 - “Today we celebrated with 42 Mexicans that have been awarded TIES Scholarships. Twenty-seven gifted students will be going to community colleges in the U.S. to obtain two-year technical degrees in fields like natural resource and water management, quality control, electronics, agribusiness, and small and medium enterprise. Fifteen teachers will attend Arizona State University for one year of training and capacity building in order to return to Mexico and strengthen rural primary education for indigenous children.” (complete text)

Secretary Chertoff Visits Mexico
Mexico City, July 18, 2008 - Michael Chertoff, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, came to Mexico City on July 17 and 18 to discuss ongoing cooperation on regional security issues with the government of Mexico. He met with the Secretary of Government, the Foreign Minister and the Attorney General, as well as other key leaders within the Mexican Government. (complete text)

Ambassador Garza’s Remarks at the 4th of July Celebration
July 4, 2008 – “In this new era, I am sure that we not only will ask the questions, but that working together, shoulder to shoulder, we’ll find the answers. I have faith that together we can create a more prosperous future. Together we can lead the hemisphere toward greater openness and democracy. Together we can succeed in creating what the next generation hopes from us: a better life.” (complete text)

Message from Ambassador Garza on the signing of the Merida Initiative by President Bush
June 30, 2008 - "The Merida Initiative represents a new era of cooperation which will amplify and strengthen existing law enforcement cooperation, intelligence sharing, and training programs. It will also provide new equipment for Mexican forces to use to better confront the common threat of drug trafficking and other transnational organized crime." (complete text)

President Bush Signs H.R. 2642, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008, which includes the Merida Initiative.

Congress Approves Merida Initiative
June 27, 2008 - Garza: “The United States recognizes our shared responsibility for the problem of drug trafficking, and our obligation to stand shoulder to shoulder with Mexico in this fight. With the additional resources provided by the Merida Initiative, Mexico and the United States will build on our already successful security cooperation and shared efforts against narcotrafficking. I applaud Congress’s passage of this important program and look forward to working with the government of Mexico to implement it.” (complete text)

Secty. Spellings, Felipe Solis, Director of the National Museum of Anthropology, Amb. Garza

Educational Exchanges Are In Our Mutual Interest June 13, 2008 - Garza: “Education is in the forefront of our mutual interests - a direct and crucial link to the future of both nations through the children and youth who will be our next generations of leaders. Today I was pleased to accompany Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings on visits to an elementary school and to meetings with Mexican government education officials.” (complete text)

We’ll Hit’em Where it Hurts - In the Pocket
June 12, 2008 - Garza: “Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Julie Myers met with Administrator General of Mexican Customs Juan Jose Bravo in Mexico City today to launch a new Trade Transparency Unit (TTU), a cooperative and bilateral operation. This Trade Transparency Unit, which will be operated by Mexican Customs, will help track patterns of cross-border trade that indicate money laundering.” (complete text)

U.S. - Mexican Officials Launch Armas Cruzadas Program
June 9, 2008 - Garza: “Today in Houston, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Julie Myers met with representatives from Mexico’s Office of the Attorney General (PGR), the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP), and Customs to announce Operation Armas Cruzadas. This program will identify and disrupt cross-border arms smuggling rings through improved, real-time information sharing.” (complete text)

Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Jon Savarino Schillaci Arrested by Mexican Authorities
June 6, 2008 - Garza: “His apprehension and his transfer this morning to U.S. custody mean he will now face justice in the United States.... Once again Mexico has demonstrated that it will not be a refuge for criminals fleeing from justice.” (complete text)

Message from Ambassador Garza about the Merida Initiative
May 30, 2008 - "As you know, in the past two weeks, both houses of Congress in the United States passed bills that include funding for expanding U.S.-Mexico cooperation in the battle against illegal drug cartels. Although there remains much work to be done on this legislation, majorities in both the House and Senate demonstrated their strong consensus that the threat represented by these organizations is not Mexico’s to confront alone." (complete text)

President Bush Designates Beltran Leyva and his Organization Under Kingpin Act
May 30, 2008 - Garza: “President Bush has designated four individuals and three entities, including Marcos Arturo Beltran Leyva and the Beltran Leyva Organization, as subject to the sanctions under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act ('Kingpin Act'). This action underscores the determination of the United States to do everything possible to pursue drug traffickers, undermine their operations, and end the suffering that trade in illicit drugs inflicts on Americans and other people around the world.” (complete text)

Ambassador Garza Commemorates Memorial Day
May 26, 2008 - Speaking at the annual Memorial Day ceremony held today at the Mexico City National Cemetery, Ambassador Garza urged Americans to remember those who gave their lives in the service of their country and for universal freedoms all people hold dear. (complete text)

U.S. Embassy Honors Mexican Firm for Contributions to Trade
May 23, 2008 - U.S. Embassy Minister-Counselor for Commercial Affairs Karen L. Zens presented the U.S. Commerce Department’s Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade award to Grupo Industrial SECNER, S.A. de C.V. (complete text)

Merida Initiative Continues to Move Forward
May 22, 2008 - Garza: “Today the U.S. Senate passed a supplemental budget bill that includes funding of the Merida Initiative. This is another step forward for this important program to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Mexico to fight the drug trade and organized crime that impact both our nations. However, it is still not final action.” (complete text)

Designation of Consulates General in Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo and Hermosillo
May 22, 2008 - Garza: “I feel strongly that this change is necessary and long overdue. This designation will allow these Consulates General to better serve American citizens residing in or visiting those areas for pleasure and business, as well as Mexicans requiring assistance with visas or commercial matters.” (complete text)

Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People
Op-Ed by Ambassador Garza published on May 21, 2008, in Spanish by Mexican newsgroup Reforma: “Today, May 21st, the United States Government joins in solidarity with the Cuban people, particularly the prisoners of conscience on the island who remain behind bars. Cubans need to know that they have international support in their struggle for freedom and human rights, as the people in Central Europe once did. We hope the people of Mexico, too, will join in solidarity with the people of Cuba who continue to fight for the right to be free.” (complete text)

• President Bush Discusses Cuba, Marks Day of Solidarity
• White House Fact Sheet: Promoting Democracy in Cuba

Important Steps Forward for the Merida Initiative
May 16, 2008 - Garza: “The U.S. has a responsibility to bolster Mexico’s efforts to strike hard at the drug cartels, just as we persevere in our fight against drug traffickers and drug addiction in the United States. I continue to urge the House and Senate to move forward in approving it.” (complete text)

Peace Officers’ Memorial Day
May 15, 2008 - Garza: “Mexico has lost too many heroes in the fight against criminals and drug cartels. Today, we are flying the flag at half mast in their honor, and in honor of their colleagues who uphold law and order in the United States and around the world. These brave men and women inspire us by their sacrifice and commitment to sustain free, peaceful and democratic societies.” (complete text)

Condolences and Outrage at Death of Edgar Millan Gomez
May 8, 2008 - Garza: “Over the past four days in Washington, I have spoken with President Bush, members of Congress, Senators and officials in the executive branch, sharing personally with the leadership of both parties the countless stories of bravery by Mexican officials against organized crime. I urged our elected officials to approve the Merida Initiative, which I believe is a critical element for enhancing our joint fight against these criminals.” (complete text)

Mexico’s Press in the Crossfire: World Press Freedom Day.
Op-Ed by Ambassador Garza published on May 3, 2008, in Spanish by Mexican newsgroup Reforma: “As Mexico moves forward to end the impunity of the narco-criminals, let us call as well for an end to the impunity of violence against journalists, for full investigations of the cases of Brad Will and the others who have lost their lives protecting our freedoms, and a better day for journalists in Mexico.” (complete text)

Ambassador Garza Expresses his Condolences to the Family of Roberto Velasco Bravo
May 2, 2008 - Garza: “I am saddened by the brutal murder last night of Mr. Roberto Velasco Bravo, Director of Investigations for the Sensitive Investigations Unit of the Federal Police (SSP).... On behalf of the U.S. Mission in Mexico, I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Velasco’s family, colleagues, and friends... I sincerely hope the perpetrators of this heinous crime will swiftly be arrested and brought to justice.” (complete text)