San Miguel's New Addition
The Office of Foreign Affairs

*Disclaimer: PortalSanMiguel, and any of its subsidiaries, maintain no political affiliations with any Mexican political agency or party.

The new administration in San Miguel has created an agency dedicated specifically to Foreign Affairs in the municipality. The Office of Foreign Affairs is led by Christopher T. Finkelstein Franjuti, who has a master's degree in International Law and Foreign Affairs from the Universidad Complutense of Madrid, Spain, this office will serve as the mediary between foreigners and various city agencies. They will also offer help to native Sanmiguelenses living abroad, primarily those residing in the United States.

The department will focus on three main areas: the first is devoted to San Miguel migrants who work in other countries, regardless of their legal status, advising them of their rights; the second will focus on the large population of foreigners living in San Miguel, in directing their problems to the proper authorities; the third will work with international relations between the municipality of San Miguel and the rest of the world, in attempts to make connections with other cities and organizations, such as those that have been declared Patrimonios Culturales de la Humanidad by UNESCO.

The foreign community will be happy to learn that there is now a government agency who is dedicated to helping them, particularly in criminal cases. In such cases, Franjuti's office will serve as the mediator, helping residents ensure that their case is heard, and that they receive fair treatment in the proceedings. They have a staff of volunteer translators on hand to assist in any type of work or administration that may be required. In lieu of hiring a lawyer up front and having to pay any fees, the Office of Foreign Affairs will see you first, free of charge, advise you as to the processes you need to follow and manage the situation.

Essentially, they serve as a link between the community and the municipality of San Miguel. While they can't ensure that you are getting fair rates on your electric bill (as the electric company is federal), they are happy to assist in whatever way they can, whether it be making a phone call in Spanish or guiding you how to resolve certain problems you may have. They are a fully tri-lingual office in English, Spanish and French.

If you are a foreign resident in San Miguel, Franjuti's office welcomes your questions and problems.

Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 154-5288. They are located in the Presidencia on the Jardín; as you walk in, the office is on the first floor to the left.

In case of emergency only, you may reach Christopher Franjuti at his cellular number, 044 (415) 149-9377.

E-mail the office for more information at foreignaffairssma@unisono.net.mx for more information.