The government of Guatemala is opening a new consulate in Oklahoma City today, the first official consulate in the city.
Approximately 15,000 Guatemalans currently live in Oklahoma.
Consul General Jose Rodriguez says the Guatemalan government chose to put a consulate in Oklahoma City because it is centrally-located with easy access to other urban areas.
Rodriguez says Guatemalans have been coming to Oklahoma for many years.
"Iniciaron la migración de unos familiares de guatemaltecos, que poco a poco fueron encontrando en este estado y unos otros estados vecinos también trabajo y mejores oportunidades de vida."
He says it started with a few families, and then little by little they found jobs and the opportunity for a better life in Oklahoma and neighboring states.
Guatemalan president Jimmy Morales was on-hand for the consulate’s inauguration ceremony on Sunday.
The consulate provides passports, consular identification, birth certificates, and other documents for Guatemalan citizens.
Honored to welcome Guatemala Pres. Jimmy Morales & delegation for today's opening of their Consulate in #OKC. OKC's 1st official consulate pic.twitter.com/eRR6hbhvy0
— Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) June 18, 2017
