Mexico’s immigration laws are quite good. We could learn from them
I didn’t know how much of the lengthy article would be OK to post on FR as I don’t know if there are copyright restrictions.
And there’s so much material there anyway.
It’s a terrific read.
If the US adopted Mexico’s immigration policy, the fall out would be beyond anything we’ve ever seen before.
It is TOUGH!
Foreigners are those who do not possess the qualifications set forth in Article 30. They are entitled to the guarantees granted by Chapter I, Title I, of the present Constitution; but the Federal Executive shall have the exclusive power to compel any foreigner whose remaining he may deem inexpedient to abandon the national territory immediately and without the necessity of previous legal action.
Foreigners may not in any way participate in the political affairs of the country.
Short, sweet to the point and in their Constitution. I say we adopt it word for word.
My leanings for a long time. Institute some of the onerous immigration laws as most other countries have. WOW! The we’d REALLY be inhumane huh? Just because the Statue of Liberty says “Give me you tired etc,” there is nothing that says we MUST let people in. Remember when folks wanted to come here to BE AMERICANS? Mrs. rktman’s mom came here from Germany in 1962 at 18 through Ellis Island. When I first met her she spoke unaccented English better than me. Took pride in it as a matter of fact. People can honor their heritage but not impose it on their neighbors.
In addition, you have too prove you have a certain income($1553 a month) before you can live in Mexico on a Temporary Resident Visa.
Mexico welcomes only foreigners who will be useful to Mexican society:
Foreigners are admitted into Mexico “according to their possibilities of contributing to national progress.” (Article 32)
Immigration officials must “ensure” that “immigrants will be useful elements for the country and that they have the necessary funds for their sustenance” and for their dependents. (Article 34)
Foreigners may be barred from the country if their presence upsets “the equilibrium of the national demographics,” when foreigners are deemed detrimental to “economic or national interests,” when they do not behave like good citizens in their own country, when they have broken Mexican laws, and when “they are not found to be physically or mentally healthy.” (Article 37)
The Secretary of Governance may “suspend or prohibit the admission of foreigners when he determines it to be in the national interest.” (Article 38)
Mexican authorities must keep track of every single person in the country:
Federal, local and municipal police must cooperate with federal immigration authorities upon request, i.e., to assist in the arrests of illegal immigrants. (Article 73)
A National Population Registry keeps track of “every single individual who comprises the population of the country,” and verifies each individual’s identity. (Articles 85 and 86)
A national Catalog of Foreigners tracks foreign tourists and immigrants (Article 87), and assigns each individual with a unique tracking number (Article 91).
Foreigners with fake papers, or who enter the country under false pretenses, may be imprisoned:
Foreigners with fake immigration papers may be fined or imprisoned. (Article 116)
Foreigners who sign government documents “with a signature that is false or different from that which he normally uses” are subject to fine and imprisonment. (Article 116)
Foreigners who fail to obey the rules will be fined, deported, and/or imprisoned as felons:
Foreigners who fail to obey a deportation order are to be punished. (Article 117)
Foreigners who are deported from Mexico and attempt to re-enter the country without authorization can be imprisoned for up to 10 years. (Article 118)
Foreigners who violate the terms of their visa may be sentenced to up to six years in prison (Articles 119, 120 and 121). Foreigners who misrepresent the terms of their visa while in Mexico — such as working with out a permit — can also be imprisoned.
Under Mexican law, illegal immigration is a felony. The General Law on Population says,
“A penalty of up to two years in prison and a fine of three hundred to five thousand pesos will be imposed on the foreigner who enters the country illegally.” (Article 123)
Foreigners with legal immigration problems may be deported from Mexico instead of being imprisoned. (Article 125)
Foreigners who “attempt against national sovereignty or security” will be deported. (Article 126)
Mexicans who help illegal aliens enter the country are themselves considered criminals under the law:
A Mexican who marries a foreigner with the sole objective of helping the foreigner live in the country is subject to up to five years in prison. (Article 127)
Shipping and airline companies that bring undocumented foreigners into Mexico will be fined. (Article 132)
Is there a petition to the White House for this already? One that simply says that the US should change its immigration policies to match that of Mexico’s, simply changing the language to reflect “United States” for “Mexico” and “dollars” for “pesos”?
While completely sympathetic to the viewpoint, a warning should be noted: the article is dated and, apparently, some of the referenced laws/regs have been significantly amended.
We Americans tend to be generous, hospitable people.
But Mexico has flat worn out its welcome. Go home.