Monday, November 8, 2004

Mexican immigrants in the U.S. need two amigos

By Barnard R. Thompson 

Following the election triumph of George W. Bush on November 2, Mexican President Vicente Fox sent his U.S. counterpart the traditional congratulations in a politically correct note, followed by a felicitous telephone call, according to Fox’s office.  Yet in reading the two official bulletins about the communications one might rhetorically question “I thought they were friends?”

From what can be gleaned from the bulletins about the Mexican president’s messages, while maybe protocol precise they showed no warmth of friendship or camaraderie.  And even though issue and agenda specific matters were important to include in the communiqués, was that really the moment to send what sounds like a grocery list written by and for the overindulged? 

Of the several issues and hopes, an immigration accord with the U.S.A. is the main matter mentioned and pressed.  And according to the Mexican media, “the U.S. State Department has indicated that President George W. Bush ‘wants to move ahead with his proposal’ for an immigration reform plan that includes a guest workers program.”

But are Fox and his administration going about this in the right way?  Just as important, do Mexican government and legislative officials really understand North Americans and today’s public climate in the U.S.A. as well as they think they do? 

Indications are that Bush does hope to advance his immigration package, and to do so in such a way as to benefit Mexico.  On the other hand, the groundswell of opposition and anger against undocumented migrants, justified or not, is growing in many parts and sectors of the U.S. — a fact that many in Mexico do not seem able (or willing) to comprehend in the context of a changing world.  And this well may complicate the issue, for while Fox and his compatriots may not realize the range and depth of animosity among a rising tide, U.S. members of congress certainly do — and they listen to their constituents on matters that could affect their reelection.

Mexico needs the escape valve of U.S. employment for millions of workers who cannot find adequate jobs at home, plus the remittances many expatriates send home are now second only to petroleum exports in Mexico’s foreign exchange income.  As well, that revenue in most cases goes directly to the people, and along with greater than expected income from recent higher-priced crude oil sales those funds have helped to keep Mexico from another economic meltdown and possible social unrest. 

Just as important, the U.S. needs and eagerly uses Mexican labor.  Mexican workers are known to be hardworking, talented, gregarious and decent, plus this nation certainly knows it was not Mexican laborers who flew those planes into buildings and fields in 2001 — it was terrorists.

Still, Fox and the Mexican people are being painted by many as a loathed enemy invading the U.S.  Which brings us back to the issue of friendship. 

Be it true or not, fair or not, Vicente Fox is not seen as a friend by many citizens of the U.S.  There was rejoicing in this country when he ushered in a new era of democracy in Mexico, but his reputation started to go sour following September 11, 2001.  While Fox sent Bush an immediate letter of support on 9/11, many felt he subsequently dragged his feet.

Fox was invited by Bush to his Texas ranch in August of 2002, however at the last minute Fox cancelled in protest for a Mexican citizen having been executed by the state of Texas.  Once again Fox was seen as less than a friend, as well as someone trying inappropriately to meddle in U.S. affairs.  Moreover, Fox’s sudden refusal of the invitation was called a personal affront although Bush may not have taken it personally. 

Then there was Mexico’s posture and vote in the United Nations regarding Iraq, a position contrary to that of the U.S., and the outcry against Mexico and illegal immigrants grew louder.  And more saw a pompous Fox as anything but a friend of Bush and the U.S. 

Yet today Fox and Bush do seem to be friends, and although the relationship may have been strained in the past now is the moment for rapprochement and improved cooperation.  Especially since something must be done and accomplished with respect to immigration and migrant rights issues that will benefit all concerned.

Now is the time for Fox to show his friendship and for Bush to embrace the same.  By doing so the two could set the course needed for fresh thinking and real solutions.