Honduran Community Leaders Demand Refunds and Halt to New Consular Appointment System in Los Angeles
A group of Honduran community leaders gathered at the Los Angeles consulate demanding refunds for more than two thousand compatriots who were unable to attend appointments at mobile consulates in 2023. They also called for a halt to the implementation of a new appointment payment system that has left doubts about the return of money.
The head of the Honduran diplomatic mission in Los Angeles acknowledged discrepancies in the procedures carried out in the mobile consulates but assured that refunds for missed appointments have begun. However, according to the Honduran community living in the United States, 2,000 individuals are still waiting for refunds totaling approximately $120,000.
Representatives of ten Honduran organizations appeared at the consulate to demand the return of the money and to stop the pilot test of the new system scheduled to begin on May 15 in Los Angeles. They argued that the system failure must be resolved before moving forward with any new programs.
Honduran community leader Xiomara Fields stated, “What we are asking is that you postpone the project in the city of Los Angeles until the return of the money of the affected people is resolved. We ask that the pilot test not begin until the system failure is resolved.”
Despite assurances from Vice Chancellor Antonio García that the money will be returned, community leaders expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and clarity surrounding the new appointment and payment system. They also highlighted issues with the previous mobile consulate appointments where individuals were not refunded after failing to complete their procedures.
In a letter to Chancellor Eduardo E. Reina, the activists and representatives of Honduran organizations in Los Angeles requested written documentation and suggested improvements to the system to ensure prompt refunds and better service for Honduran emigrants. They emphasized the importance of considering the diversity of Honduran emigrants and their needs before implementing any new systems.
The Honduran community in Los Angeles is united in their demands for refunds and for a thorough review of the new appointment payment system before it is put into practice. They are calling on the consulate and the government of Honduras to prioritize the protection and support of their compatriots abroad.