NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Thousands of people gathered outside Casa De Dios USA church on Monday in hopes of meeting with the Guatemalan consulate from Atlanta. Many got in line as early as 1:00 a.m. and traveled from as far as New York.
According to the church, people have been waiting for years to meet with consulate representatives here in Nashville.
"We work with the consulate," said the church's Assistant Pastor Moises Rodriguez. "We open up our facility so people from Guatemala, Mexico, Salvador, Honduras and other countries are able to renew their passports, their birth certificates and dual citizenships or any other questions they have."
Monday's event was for individuals to make appointments with the Guatemalan consulate when they arrive possibly next month.
Earlier in the morning, parts of Dickerson Pike were closed due to the influx of people. As of 11 a.m., the roads were able to reopen. It's estimated around 5,000 to 6,000 people arrived to receive help.
"We did not expect that many people, and I think it's just, that's because of the fact that the Guatemalan consulate hasn't came here in such a while," said Rodriguez.
Some who waited in line said once the gates to the property opened at 5:00 a.m. crowds rushed to the front doors, cutting other people in line. Thousands were not able to schedule an appointment before time slots filled up.
As Nashville's immigrant population continues to grow, Rodriguez said it's more reason to open consulates here in Nashville.
"If we could open a facility in Tennessee or in Nashville, that would be great and help out many Latinos who are here," Rodriguez said.
Many who waited in line agreed.
Those who missed out on scheduling an appointment for the visit will now have to travel to other states or look elsewhere for help.
