Crossing the Border Without Visa

by Inamullah Bhatti (Pakistan)

A leap into the unknown Mexico

While living in Tucson AZ, USA, once I had a chance to visit a small city named Nogales Arizona on the Mexican border. The city of Nogales is partitioned between USA and Mexico. On the Mexican side city is named as Nogales Sonora, Mexico. While visiting the Nogales of Arizona, USA few friends accompanied with me said that across the border, Nogales city of Mexico is worth to visit. They explained the attractions of Café la Roca, once used as prison. The apache warrior Geronimo was one of the famous prisoners of the time. We crossed by walk to enter in the Mexican city of Nogales Sonora without any verification of identity by border police. I was surprised to see that the architecture and handmade craft work on clothes and pottery was very similar to my native homeland Sindh. All day we went around to eat, drink and watch to enjoyed. We planned to have lunch in the TAQUERIAS LUPITA'S restaurant. My friends asked me to order whatever I would like to eat. I had no idea about the Mexican food except the burrito, tacos and dorados. I asked them what the most liked food of Mexican cuisine is, I would prefer to eat it, and they ordered chicken mole. That was very delicious of all Mexican cuisines I ever had before. After having lunch, we went to a book shop to find latest books. While walking on the street group of mariachi singers was fascinating the way they were singing and synthesising the music beat with the hammering of boots on footpath. Though I could not understand the Spanish, but the music lasting in my years was giving some message of lovers departed from their beloved. I had no idea that cactus could be eaten! that I witnessed to be eaten on the streets of Nogales Sonora. It was evening and sun was dusking down to leave the darkness behind when we reached to cafe La Roca. After having coffee in the bar room, we went around to visit the cave where apache warrior Geronimo was prisoned. The silent stones of cave were strong enough to tell the story of slavery and genocide. With this sadness of centuries our day visit of Nogales Sonora was at its end. We moved to cross the border through security check post. Everyone was swiping the ID card to pass the barrier to enter in USA. My fellow friends had US ID card, so they crossed the barrier, whereas I had a Pakistani passport that machine refused to allow me to cross the barrier. Border security policeman came to take me in custody. The policeman asked me to give all my particulars. I gave him my university of Arizona ID card, residential pass and social security card. After few minutes three officers came to greet me with warm welcome and moved me to one room on the second floor. They seated me on chair and offered drinks, coffee or anything I may like. I was little worried but confident so happily said coffee. They started asking me that when I went to Mexico and why did not had visa to enter in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. I replied them that just today I entered there with my two friends. Went around the city had lunch, evening coffee and bought few books. My friends told me that they usually enter in Mexico without visa and get return back to USA. I had no idea to have visa of Mexico and even no one stopped me while crossing the border to enter in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. They asked about my residence, studies and job. They got satisfied after one hour interrogation and instructed that only US citizens may enter in Mexico without visa, but all other nationals must obtain it before leaving USA. They returned my passport and all other papers. The officer came out to see off me with gratitude and gentleness. Whereas my friends were so much desperately waiting for me outside the border police office. They were surprised and became so glad to see me coming out from the building. This was very strange experience of my life which never be forgotten.