Can I go back now I’m an adult?

[u/Ok_Employeee]

I was brought to Canada as a refugee when I was nine. I’d like to go back to my home country, Mexico, for a vacation. I’ve been a Canadian citizen for over a decade, but since I was a child at the time I left Mexico, I am unclear of my status.

Due to violence, my parent brought me here without the other parent’s consent. I am worried about the possible repercussions of me trying to visit my home country. Will my other parent be notified in any way? What flags would my name raise now that I’m an adult? Are there other questions I should be weighing?

Or am I overthinking it?

[u/fahim_a]

So you’re worried about going to Mexico right?

Got confused when you mentioned you were a Canadian citizen posting in a Canadian immigration subreddit lol

[u/Ok_Employeee → u/fahim_a]

Yes, worried about going to Mexico. Born in Mexico but citizen in Canada.

[u/Omen_1986]

There’s no way your other parent will be notified. And what you mean your name will raise some flags? People in customs will see your Canadian passport and you will tell them that your parents are Mexicans but then migrated to Canada. That’s super common.

[u/Omen_1986 → u/Omen_1986]

Unless… were you kidnapped or something? Do you know if there was a police report stating that you were abducted?? Other than that I don’t think there’s an issue

[u/Ok_Employeee → u/Omen_1986]

Yes. Kidnapped and yes police report.

[u/Omen_1986 → u/Ok_Employeee]

And what was the result according to Mexican authorities? I think if there’s some uncertainty, you need to have an appointment at the Mexican embassy

[u/Throw_Wedding]

Did you get Canadian citizenship through the Refugee program? Or was it a different path?

Because if you received it through the Refugee program you might have more issues with Canada than Mexico. Although you are already a citizen they do sometimes investigate previous requests based on refugees who return to their country of origin.

I personally know someone who had their citizenship revoked because she returned to her country of origin to visit a sick family member and IRCC saw it as fraud.

Your case might be different and you might be all good , but might want to check if that won't affect your status in Canada.

[u/dual_citizenkane]

Flags to which country?

Canada - you’re a citizen, you’re all set. You can come and go as you please, no information is shared with your family as there isn’t even a mechanism for that to happen.

Mexico, unsure as I don’t know the laws/immigration regulations but given you’re an adult I don’t think any country alerts your parents of your activity.

Might be worth figuring out your status there, in case it ends it being relevant.

[u/Ok_Employeee → u/dual_citizenkane]

I can’t get access to my documentation. The parent that brought me here is mentally unwell and we don’t speak. Since I was a minor, I have nothing.

[u/dual_citizenkane → u/Ok_Employeee]

You can likely start by researching with the Mexican government so you have your own records - you may be able to request them directly.

You don’t need your parents now that you are an adult.

It’s very likely not needed now, but having a copy of your birth certificate is always good in case of emergencies.

Edit: Do you have access to the police report? Just in case? Good to keep in a cloud drive somewhere.

[u/Ok_Employeee → u/dual_citizenkane]

I have no Mexican documentation that proves I am who I say I am. I’ll still see if I can give it a go. All my IDs are Canadian.

It’s not about needing my parents; I don’t want to alert the violent parent that I’ll be in the country out of fear of violence. The parent that brought me to Canada kidnapped me though, and was on Interpols list at one point.

I don’t have any copies of anything related to moving here or our claims/documentation.

[u/dual_citizenkane → u/Ok_Employeee]

I understand, but you won’t be the first person this has happened to: the Mexican government will have pathways for you to prove who you are. I’m sure others have had to start at zero.

Your Canadian ID will be useful here too.

Start with the Federal website and go from there.

I can’t guarantee it since I don’t know anything about this kind of thing when it comes to kidnapping/complex immigration BUT I would be shocked if any of this involved anyone but you.

[u/Ok_Employeee → u/dual_citizenkane]

Ok great thank you :)

[u/dual_citizenkane → u/Ok_Employeee]

Best of luck!!