Soledad families reunite with grandparents after decades apart in Mexico

SOLEDAD, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Family members from Mexico reunited with loved ones in Soledad for the first time in several decades.

Although it was for only a short period of time and grandparents had to return home, they tell KION meeting their grandchildren was worth the trip and they hope to return soon.

"When I saw her, I almost didn't recognize her," said Maria Garcia Estrada, who was amazed to see her daughter for the first time in 24 years. "I couldn't believe it. She looked like a dream to me because of the time and the years away from her."

Older relatives embraced younger ones who left their countries at a young age.

Dreams of feeling that embrace for the younger generation finally coming true.

"It's both sad and beautiful at the same time," said Maria's daughter, Maricela Chavez Garcia. "I couldn't stop crying because the feeling is so real."

Temporary Visas granted the parents ability to visit Maricela and their grandchildren. Before then they could only communicate through phone calls.

The program was carried out through the Lopez family and Valor Migrante in the Mexican state of Guanajuato.

It's a process available to senior citizens and those who haven't seen their parents for more than 10 years.

The recent visit was the last step in being able to qualify for an extended Visa program.

Valor Migrante said applications this time around came from all over the state and they were able to process 40 Visas.

"I don't want to leave," said Maria Alicia Guido. "I'm delighted to be here with my children."

It took 26 years but Maria Alicia Guido was finally able to get her Visa and see her children.

Families are still recovering from their nostalgia, enjoying every minute together.

Making up for lost time in the process.

Original story

A nonprofit organization and a Monterey County Supervisor helped reunite families after decades apart in Mexico.

CASA Guanajuato and the Lopez family of Soledad helped match grandparents with visas allowing them safe passage to visit their family members in the United States.

Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez said the moment was enough to bring him to tears.

"Standing there today, watching the embraces linger and hearing the sobs, and hearing grown men saying mama mid sob I couldn’t help but cry with them," said Supervisor Lopez. "The system is broken, but there are angels in our community making miracles happen. Many talked about not seeing their loved ones for nearly thirty years."

CASA Guanajuato is a nonprofit organization with chapters in Los Angeles, Dallas and Soledad. They support citizens of Guanajuato living in the U.S. with programs, cultural events, connections to consular services and more.

Many of the families were from Guanajuato, but also from Jalisco and other Mexican states.