Paisano, Welcome to Laredo
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Dec 14, 2009, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
City of Laredo to operate unique binational project for 12th year
Laredo, TX—Dec. 14, 2009—For 12 years, the City of Laredo has hosted a Paisano Rest Stop or, Modulo Paisano, to help Mexican citizens returning home from throughout the U.S. have a smoother experience as they return home for the holidays. This unique bi-national project is offered only in Laredo, Texas. The City of Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau works with the Mexican General Consulate to set-up the rest stop; however, there are many city, state and federal departments and agencies from both sides of the border who come together to provide this service to the paisanos.
This year, the Paisano Rest Stop will be set-up at IH-35 southbound, just off Mile Marker 13 and is set to begin Friday, December 18, at 12 noon and ends at 12 noon on Sunday, December 20, 2009. For 48 continuous hours, the rest stop is staffed with individuals from various agencies, to help review all documents necessary for travelers, as well as any goods or vehicles they may be taking into Mexico. Additionally information about bridge wait times and crossings is given, as well as directions, refreshments, restroom facilities, hand washing stations, EMS presence and simply, an opportunity to rest and stretch their legs before continuing on their journey.
This unique binational effort welcomes these often weary travelers and gives them invaluable one-stop shop resources; among the many services provided, they can also take advantage of:
- Tourism information, such as hotel listings and restaurants;
- U.S. Customs regulations for their return trip;
- Legitimate nationalization processing business listing;
- Complaint and crime reporting procedures with the Mexican Consulate and other local agencies;
- Volunteer mechanic on standby/on-call to make initial inspection and do minor car repairs;
- Mexican immigration regulations and forms;
- Free copies.
All of this is done with a smile and of course, in their native language. “The city of Laredo welcomes the paisanos,” said Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas. “We want their experience here to be positive, restful, and beneficial before they continue on their long journey into Mexico. That is why we host the Paisano Rest Stop to help facilitate their crossing experience and encourage all citizens in Laredo to help them feel welcome. Laredo, Texas does appreciate the work these Mexican citizens are doing in the United States,” Salinas concluded.
Motorists will see and hear dynamic message signage and radio messages on AM 1610 posted starting from San Antonio on south. Local, state and federal officials patrol the roadside on IH-35 South, to offer any assistance to paisanos that might need support of any kind, including security, traffic control support, and road side assistance. According to the Mexican Consulate’s Office, last year, over 2,000 paisanos stopped at the Paisano Rest Stop for assistance over the three-day period. Travelers came from throughout the United States, but the top five states the paisanos listed as their place of residence, included, in descending order, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, Florida and California. The City of Laredo Bridge System reports that almost 540,000 vehicles traveled through Laredo during the month of December before continuing on to Mexico for the holidays; specifically, a little over 160,000 vehicles in the week before Christmas alone.
The Paisano Rest Stop is hosted by the City of Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau; however, other U.S. agencies that are integral to the success of the initiative include: City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas and the Laredo City Council; City Manager’s Office, City of Laredo Police Department; City of Laredo Public Information Office; City of Laredo Traffic Safety Division; Webb County District Attorney’s Office; Webb County Sheriff’s Office; Texas Department of Transportation; and the Department of Homeland Security, through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Additionally, the Mexican Consulate’s Office also helps to host the rest stop, including Mexican Consul Migul Angel Isidro, and other Mexican agencies and authorities, including the City of Nuevo Laredo; Immigration; Customs and Banjercito.
