The Guatemalan Consulate in Raleigh, North Carolina, has seen an increase in birth registrations, especially among families who want to guarantee dual citizenship for their children born in the United States.
“What used to be about six registrations a day has now become 25 to 30 registrations a day,” he told Enlace Latino NC , Vice Consul Fabian Estrada.
Juana, who traveled from Morgantown, went to the Guatemalan Consulate in Raleigh on February 12 to register her five-year-old daughter, born in the U.S. With this procedure, she obtained a Guatemalan birth certificate and dual nationality.
“I do this so that if we ever need to return to Guatemala, it won't cost me anything to obtain her birth certificate,” Juana explained to Enlace Latino NC . His name is a pseudonym to protect his identity.
Dual nationality gives her daughter the opportunity to return with her to Guatemala in case of being deportedFor children who only have US citizenship, the situation would be more complicated since they could remain in the custody of the US government or relatives.
“That way, I won’t have to worry about anything later if something happens,” Juana added.
Documentation: Safeguarding against fear
President Donald Trump's immigration executive orders and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids In cities like Chicago and New York, they have increased anxiety among undocumented immigrants.
“Many people have heard and seen the information being spread about the new administration and are afraid of being deported. So, anticipating all of this, they're asking themselves: What will happen to my family? To my children? People are registering their births.”
Vice Consul Fabian Estrada
You may be interested: How to get an appointment online at Guatemalan consulates in the United States
At first, widespread fear and misinformation deterred many people from attending their consular appointments, the vice consul added.
“Because they are not well informed, they think there will be a patrol car outside or something similar,” Vice Consul Estrada explained. “We have tried to make people aware that, thank God, the agents here in Raleigh are not looking to stop them without cause. They are not patrolling to arrest someone just for the sake of it.”
But while anxiety creates reluctance to approach the consulate, it also drives many to regularize their papers, aware that having them could be crucial in the event of deportation.
“You really come with the fear of what could happen,” Ana Cecilia Estrada, an immigrant from Georgia, told Enlace Latino NC “But yes, we want to be as up-to-date as possible to avoid it.”
You may be interested: What do I do if ICE comes to my work?
They travel from other states
Ana Cecilia said that her boss arranged an appointment for her and four coworkers in Georgia to renew their passports and consular IDs.
Since the inauguration of Passport Printing Center in 2022, the Consulate of Guatemala in Raleigh has facilitated the Same day passport delivery, which has attracted Guatemalans from nearby states such as Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia.
Despite her concerns, Ana Cecilia said she felt safe at the consulate.
“We've felt very safe here. The ladies, everyone, are very kind and attentive, and the environment is safe. I feel at ease,” she said. “I'm happy because my passport was worth it.”
Legal protection and rights for immigrants
In response to growing community concerns, the Guatemalan Consulate in Raleigh has launched several initiatives, including the distribution of "red cards."
These cards of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, which contain recommendations on how to act in the event of an ICE intervention, are being widely distributed to the population.
The advice includes not opening the door to officers without a warrant, not answering questions without a lawyer present and not signing documents without legal advice.
In addition, the consulate offers a telephone line for legal advice and protection, available through the number 842 004 243.
It also includes a legal window open every Friday from 9:00 am to 3:XNUMX pm that can be attended without an appointment. This service at the consulate offers advice on asylum issues, defense against deportation proceedings, protection against abuse, immigration procedures and how to avoid fraud, among others.
Advice from the Vice Consul of Guatemala in Raleigh
Vice Consul Estrada also stressed the importance of being prepared with notarial and financial documentation, as well as taking Precautions when driving.
“We have conveyed the messages that police officers have given us, which mention that people must have their license plates valid, make sure that all the lights on their vehicle are working properly, especially if they drive at night, and avoid driving while intoxicated. They must also respect traffic limits,” said the vice consul.
He recommended to carry out a temporary representation mandate to appoint someone to act on your behalf, or a financial representation mandate for those who have a company, bank account or other assets.
The consulate will organize free notarization days, where documents will be signed by a notary for their validity. It is recommended to be aware of the social media to find out about upcoming dates.
“It's important to have this tool and think ahead, in case, God forbid, something happens. It's not mandatory, but having the necessary documents in order, such as the temporary legal representation order, can make a difference in emergency situations,” Estrada added.
PODCAST
After the storm
A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
🎧 In this episode, learn how Latino organizations transformed crisis into resilience.
▶️Press play to listen!
Republish our stories for free on your website or newspaper. We follow the Creative Commons license. Click the box and follow the instructions.
