In-laws going back to Mexico-should they register

[Mami-cinco]

My in-laws will be going back to Mexico to stay. Should they register someone to proove they are back and the 10 year ban starts? How do they do this? I want them to be able to visit in 10 years.

Thanks

[Cfloresgirl]

I believe they can go to any Port of entry...and request a form I-94??.. then it would start the clock for the 10 years....someone else with way more knowledge will chime in..

[simply-heartfelt]

Did they not come on a visa?

If they did they should leave through a port of entry and have their passport stamped.

[Mami-cinco]

They crossed illegally over 10 years ago and will be flying back to Mexico City. Where would they get the I-94?

[simply-heartfelt]

If they are flying back they will be given the I-94 form to fill out during their flight.

[losguerra]

I believe there is some way to check in at a US consulate once they arrive back in their home country. Sadly, I don't know details on this.

BTW, can someone confirm that I-94s are given to EXITING travelers? Who accepts them? Mexico certainly wouldn't care about a US immigration doc for returning nationals...I was under the impression only ENTERING travelers got these.

If they are given out, we have a problem because my husband never got one when he left/nor did he turn one in. Uh oh.... :(

[Mami-cinco]

I believe there is some way to check in at a US consulate once they arrive back in their home country. Sadly, I don't know details on this.

BTW, can someone confirm that I-94s are given to EXITING travelers? Who accepts them? Mexico certainly wouldn't care about a US immigration doc for returning nationals...I was under the impression only ENTERING travelers got these.

If they are given out, we have a problem because my husband never got one when he left/nor did he turn one in. Uh oh.... :(

Yes, this is important to know. I want the clock to start ticking the moment they get there. Maybe we can ask Laurel on her chat this week. I will be out in the field working and will not be able to ask, but maybe someone else could. thanks

[Cfloresgirl]

Yes, this is important to know. I want the clock to start ticking the moment they get there. Maybe we can ask Laurel on her chat this week. I will be out in the field working and will not be able to ask, but maybe someone else could. thanks

No worries I will ask for you...

[Salsa2]

They need to do something in Mexico as soon as they arrive to start a paper trail proving they are there. Open a bank account, renew mexican drivers license, sign a lease, get bills in their name, pay stubs, etc.

If they have a camera that will date stamp the photos, then take a picture at the airport in front of the welcome sign or something. Keep the airline ticket receipts and boarding passes.

[losguerra]

Sorry, I freaked out about the I-94 thing and forgot about all the other details. We have a huge file stocked with stuff that my husband has accumulated since leaving the US:

Mexican driver's license & credencial + the accompanying receipts
Rent Contracts
Car Repair Receipts
Paystubs
Utility bills
Plane Tickets
Train Tickets (Europe)
Hotel receipts

Basically anything with his name, the date, and a location outside the US noted on it. I believe this is plenty of proof that he has been outside the US. I don't even know why I freaked out about the I-94.

[Mami-cinco]

They need to do something in Mexico as soon as they arrive to start a paper trail proving they are there. Open a bank account, renew mexican drivers license, sign a lease, get bills in their name, pay stubs, etc.

If they have a camera that will date stamp the photos, then take a picture at the airport in front of the welcome sign or something. Keep the airline ticket receipts and boarding passes.

Great information and ideas, thanks!!

[discoviking]

BTW, can someone confirm that I-94s are given to EXITING travelers? Who accepts them? Mexico certainly wouldn't care about a US immigration doc for returning nationals...I was under the impression only ENTERING travelers got these. (
I have never heard of that, either. All the times I have been flying in and out of the US, I only see customs and I94 forms being handed out on flights going to the US, and I see them being collected as passengers board exiting flights.

[Laura]

They don't give I-94s to people exiting the U.S., that's for visa holders who enter the U.S. only. However, their Mexican passports will be stamped when they re-enter Mexico, so that is proof.

I would think the plane ticket records and receipts would also be good to save. And then make sure they save receipts for anything they do in Mexico (that gives receipts) so that they have proof in case they are asked for it after ten years.