A Tourist’s Unexpected Conversion

Lubasha, a native of Siberia, Russia, initially arrived in Mexico in 2022 with the simple intention of experiencing a new culture. What began as a tourist visit quickly blossomed into a new chapter of her life, as she found herself captivated by the country and its people.

Social Media as a Lifeline: Building a Community

leveraging the reach of social networks, especially Tiktok, Lubasha began documenting her experiences adapting to life in Mexico. Her content, which focused on the cultural contrasts between Russia and Mexico, resonated with a wide audience, earning her a dedicated following. According to recent statistics, expat communities on social media are growing exponentially, with platforms like Tiktok and Instagram serving as vital connection points for individuals navigating new cultures.

Navigating Bureaucracy: A Visa Quandary

However, Lubasha’s dream of staying in Mexico faced a significant hurdle: her stay permit was expiring. Despite her desire to remain in the country,the bureaucratic process proved to be more complex than she had anticipated. Initially unsure of how to proceed, she found herself in a precarious situation, facing the prospect of having to leave the country she had come to call home.

Public Appeal: Taking to Social media for Help

In a bold move, lubasha turned to social media for assistance. In 2023, she posted a video appealing for support in regularizing her immigration status, directly addressing then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. She explained that her permission had expired, and she was unsure of the necessary steps to continue living in Mexico legally.

I uploaded the video asking for help because I didn’t know how to solve my situation. I was already several months without permission, and I thought someone coudl guide me.

A Second Attempt: Appealing to President Sheinbaum

While the initial video garnered attention, it did not yield the immediate results Lubasha had hoped for. undeterred, she approached immigration authorities, who presented her with limited options, including seeking asylum or marriage. Dissatisfied with these alternatives, she decided to create another video, this time directly appealing to the current president, Claudia Sheinbaum.

I thought that as a woman she could understand my situation and help me, so I decided to make another video asking for her support. If it didn’t work, at least I would have tried everything.

Lubasha hoped that Sheinbaum, as a woman, would be more empathetic to her situation.

A Breakthrough: Presidential intervention

In an unexpected turn of events, President Sheinbaum addressed Lubasha’s case during one of her morning press conferences. This public acknowledgment proved to be the turning point in Lubasha’s immigration journey.

It was astonishing. I never imagined that something like that could happen. That moment was a dream come true for me.

securing Residency: A Bureaucratic Shift

Following the presidential mention, Mexico City’s migratory authorities contacted Lubasha, offering assistance in resolving her immigration status. This intervention streamlined the process, allowing her to finally regularize her stay in the country.

They invited me to the migration offices in Mexico City,were I did the fingerprints,I paid the fine I had and signed the corresponding documents. Everything was very clear and fast after the intervention.

While the process of obtaining her residence was not immediate, the support from Sheinbaum’s government proved invaluable.

A Voice for Expats: Sharing Experiences and Bridging Cultures

Now with her residency secured, Lubasha continues to use her platform to share her experiences and highlight the cultural nuances between Russia and mexico. She aims to dispel misconceptions about Mexico and showcase the opportunities it offers.

I love to show the world what Mexico has to offer.People sometimes have a wrong vision of the country, especially in Europe, where many speak badly of Mexico. But I always say that Mexico is a place full of opportunities and that if you do not get into trouble, nobody is going to do anything to you.

Gratitude and Admiration: A Message to President Sheinbaum

Lubasha expresses deep gratitude to President Sheinbaum for her support and leadership, recognizing her willingness to assist foreigners seeking a new beginning in mexico.

I would tell you that she is an excellent president, that thank you very much for listening to my request and for helping foreigners like me.Not all presidents do the same, and that is valued a lot.

She admires Sheinbaum’s strength and leadership, particularly in defending Mexico’s interests on the global stage.