Migration Moves Into Mexico's Presidential Race
As immigration reform progresses in Washington ahead of the 2006 mid-term elections, the issue of how Mexicans, legal and illegal, are treated in America is becoming an issue in Mexico's political arena as well.
While the issue isn't as divisive for Mexican politicians - all advocate better treatment of Mexican citizens in the U.S. - candidates in the upcoming presidential election are seeking to leverage the issue to their benefit.
Felipe Calderon, who is barely leading leftist candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has staked out the immigration issue, speaking out against the Senate's proposal to erect 370 miles of fencing along the border. In an interview with MTV on Sunday, Calderon said Mexico's traditional aversion to foreign investment encouraged illegal immigration.
"While we were following this exquisite discussion between politicians and intellectuals [about whether to accept foreign investment], our people did not wait and they went to the United States where there is investment," he said according to El Universal.
The newsweekly Proceso sees outgoing Mexican President Vicente Fox making efforts to bolster Calderon (the candidate of his own National Action Party) by hailing the Senate's reform bill, which would provide a path to citizenship for millions of Mexicans working in the United States.
Meanwhile, Lopez Obrador has countered PAN's message on immigration with his own. In early May, he pledged to seek an immigration agreement with the United States to reduce illegal border crossings and ensure better treatment of Mexican migrants in the United States.
Lopez Obrador has also attacked Fox for not standing up for Mexicans in his dealings with Washington. When the Senate approved an amendment to build a barrier on the U.S.-Mexican border to block illegal immigrants, Lopez Obrador charged that Fox's government was too weak to protect its citizens.
"Mexicans who cross the border out of necessity are being humiliated," he said.
The migration issue is closely related to the candidates' attitudes toward the United States, with Calderon favoring closer relations and Lopez Obrador voicing a more nationalistic position.
Two polls released this week show Calderon and Lopez Obrador are now virtually tied. The election is scheduled for July 2.
By Jefferson Morley |
May 30, 2006; 6:05 PM ET
| Category:
Americas
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Posted by: Linda Matincheck | June 1, 2006 09:29 AM
To quote the above article:
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Lopez Obrador charged that Fox's government was too weak to protect its citizens.
"Mexicans who cross the border out of necessity are being humiliated," he said.
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What is it "necessary" for them to cross the border illegally? Shouldn't the Mexican citizens be trying to get their own country's leadership to address the issue of why they feel it "necessary" to ignore the immigration laws, to take advantage of the United States' business environment, as well as the welfare system, which people who are LEGALLY residing here are paying for with their taxes.
I'm not saying it's deplorable that Mexicans can't find work in their own country, but if they want to call themselves Mexicans and have pride in their ethnicity, shouldn't they be trying to do something to help their own country instead of illegally taking advantage of our fairly lax immigration enforcement?
Posted by: Fred | June 5, 2006 03:06 PM
funny ringtones
Posted by: ewur5vo@yahoo.com | August 6, 2006 09:45 AM
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Please take my American citizenship, social security number and driver's license.
I came from a family of American-born citizens. Some fought for our freedom and future. As well as others whom I do not know made the same sacrifice for their families. I flew my flag for them all.
I just came through a 3-year lawsuit whereby I was hit by an 89-year old, uninsured person. I found out like others before, who are/were victims of a wrong that went before our justice system only to find out ALL of our rights for justice were legislated out of existence. And, I can't hold the system or AARP that made certain this person had the privilege to drive.
My grandfathers, uncles and father would slap our legislators and their ilk.
I am offering my citizenship to an illegal alien/immigrant who wants to live and work in this society and governmental system.
Please let others know my citizenship and all rights under that are available.
Free of cost. No obligation except that I get to leave.
Sincerely,
Linda Matincheck