Help Mexico Fix Its Problems -- Instead of Sending Them North

Los Angeles Times ^ | January 21, 2004 | Elton Gallegly

[calcowgirl]

by: Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) is chair of the House Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights.

If there’s one positive consequence of President Bush’s guest worker proposal, it’s that it has sparked debate on our failed policies on illegal immigration.

Now, if only it would spark a discussion of our troubled relationship with Mexico. It’s clear our southern neighbor will be the greatest beneficiary of what can only be called another amnesty program. An estimated 70% of illegal immigrants in the U.S. come from Mexico. They provide an economic boon to Mexico by easing its unemployment rate and providing cash for the Mexican economy through remittances.

(snip)

At the same time, Mexico has steadfastly refused to extradite criminals who have committed heinous murders in the U.S. and then fled to the safety of their homeland. In L.A. alone, at least 150 Mexican nationals are wanted for murder and other serious crimes committed here.

There is even talk of making the U.S. an electoral district of Mexico. Maywood resident Manuel de la Cruz is a naturalized U.S. citizen who retained his Mexican citizenship and who won a seat in Mexico’s Congress last year. He says that 10 million Mexicans in the U.S. are eligible to vote in Mexico and, therefore, the U.S. should be an electoral district for his native country.

(snip)

Mexico is our neighbor, and it is in our best interest to see that it succeeds. But U.S. workers and taxpayers shouldn’t have to suffer in the process. The U.S. should make it clear that our relationship is a two-way street. It’s time for some tough love. Until Mexico proves itself to be a good neighbor and willing to make a better life for its own citizens in their own land, the U.S. should not continue to be the department of social services for Mexico.

[gubamyster]

ping

[international american]

Gallegly is my congressman, and he will lead the fight to undo this "amnesty". You can bet on it!

[ampat]

Mexican authorities at all levels from top to bottom are corrupt. Thus the Mexican people are screwed. Like a dope addict, they must make the decision themselves that they want to do something about their situation. No one can do it for them. Even if we help, we must do so on the basis that the country is corrupt, and how do you do that?

[imintrouble]

There was a similar discussion a couple of weeks ago on FreeDominion (sister site to FR in Canada). Here is the link and an interesting commentary from Cerebus who lives right on the border in Texas.

http://www.freedominion.ca/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=17993

The picture does not look promising no matter what the U.S. does. I for one had thought if we tried to upgrade the living conditions in Mexico for the people but apparently the government WANT the American dollar returned to that country.

Looks a lot like slavery of the Mexican and/or South American migrant peoples to me.

[imintrouble]

Oops:

Not only do I steal a man's posts, but then insult him by spelling his username incorrectly. CERBERUS. Apologies.

[international american]

Read this....

[Landru]

"Gallegly is my congressman, and he will lead the fight to undo this "amnesty". You can bet on it!"

Well i-a, you told me (privately) this congressman would [vehemently] oppose this outrageous proposal & it appears you were absolutely right.

It'll be interesting to see how this man is handled by the party, won't it??
If that handling's as shabby as what's happened to those in opposition here at the hands of the party faithful, well, it won't be pretty.

I'm think that by permitting this to be printed, the LASlimes has already done "their part" contributing the rope that'll be used to lynch this decent guy & the only question is, they did so on behalf of who?

One thing's for sure, *if* there's real intent to shut this man up, they'll want to whack 'em asap.

...so he serves as an example to others of like mind.

[international american]

"It'll be interesting to see how this man is handled by the party, won't it??
If that handling's as shabby as what's happened to those in opposition here at the hands of the party faithful, well, it won't be pretty."

He can't be handled...all those years in congress, and his voting record prove this. An ADA rating of zero! He has far more power than Tancredo, and is even more conservative.

Best regards, IA

[international american]

Your opinions??

[spodefly]

BTTT

[djreece]

marking

[JustPiper]

If there’s one positive consequence of President Bush’s guest worker proposal, it’s that it has sparked debate on our failed policies on illegal immigration.

Sorry, Gubya I won't ping for LA Times-folks want to see an article without signing up there

[keri]

Gallegly is right, of course.

Follow the money (big money) and you'll see what is driving Bush's deal with Fox.