THATCHER — Rita Vargas Torregrosa said she plans to have the Mexican Consulate exhibit a greater presence in Graham and Greenlee counties.
Torregrosa, the first woman to serve as Mexican Consul at the Consulate in Douglas, was hosted by Eastern Arizona College Friday, for a tour, participation in the grand opening of the Career Service Center and a luncheon.
She said the first order of business is bringing a touring Consulate to the SEACAP offices on Nov. 2.
“We will provide services to the Mexican community, as well as some part of the U.S. citizens interested in traveling or doing something in Mexico, as well those with dual citizenship,” Torregrosa said.
Consulates serve its citizens while they are abroad, such as during medical emergencies, natural disasters and assist when facing arrest in a foreign nation. Consulates can also help the citizens in which the Consulate is located with visa applications to visit, work or study in the Consulate’s nation.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
During the luncheon, Torregrosa talked about improving communication between the U.S. and Mexico, and securing the border from illegal activity while ensuring that trade and workers can continue to travel legally.
She also touted the USMCA — the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement — as the starting point to help businesses on both sides of the border expand into new markets.
She also said she will be working on the Mexican side to ensure the construction of the new Douglas Port of Entry moves forward in a smooth and ecologically-friendly manner.
Earlier this month, the U.S. General Services Administration announced it had awarded a $274.7 million contract to design and build the new Douglas Port of Entry, about five miles west of the existing Raul Castro Port of Entry, which will also be modernized and expanded.
