Posted on 01/18/2005 11:18:52 AM PST by Coleus
Mon Jan 17,11:14 PM ET
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By ELLIOT SPAGAT, Associated Press Writer
CALEXICO, Calif. - Mexico will continue to press for an immigration agreement establishing a right for Mexicans to work temporarily in the United States, the country's interior secretary, Santiago Creel, said Monday after meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.
Creel also denounced an Arizona ballot measure approved by voters in November that limits government services for illegal immigrants.
"It's incompatible with human rights and does a disservice to both countries, the United States as much as Mexico," he told reporters at a news conference following the meeting in Calexico, a border city about 100 miles east of San Diego.
Ridge, for his part, said an immigration agreement was a "high priority" for President Bush (news - web sites) in his second term, but added that a temporary worker program would be an uphill battle in Congress without provisions for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
He emphasized that the United States would reject any amnesty proposal for Mexicans who are living in the United States illegally or any plan that gives priority to temporary workers when they apply for permanent residency.
Ridge avoided criticizing the Arizona ballot measure, saying that states have a right to deny state but not federal aid.
The measure requires proof of legal immigration status when obtaining certain government services and proof of citizenship when registering to vote. Government workers who don't report illegal immigrants who try to get benefits could also face jail time and a fine.
Ridge said other states were unlikely to follow Arizona's lead if the United States introduces a program for temporary workers.
"There will probably be far less inclination by any states to vote a similar way again ... because the people that will be here will be here legally and they will certainly be in a much better position to support themselves without relying on any public funding," Ridge said.
The meeting was billed as a progress report on a 2002 agreement aimed at beefing up border security without disrupting trade. The two cabinet secretaries also used the occasion to formally open a new lane for prescreened truckers to avoid long lines when entering the United States or Mexico.
Calexico is the sixth southern U.S. border crossing to introduce the fast track lane for truckers since September. The others are San Diego and the Texas cities of El Paso, Hidalgo, Laredo and Brownsville.
By summer, fast track lanes for truckers are to be introduced in a number of other cities in the Southwest.
Ridge is leaving his job as Homeland Security secretary on Feb. 1.
We should only allow them in after they become the 51st state. They would have to pay taxes and serve in the military just like other Americans.
If he knew what was good for his cause he would shut up about it. He is only fueling the fire, the twit.
(Okay, let me be the first to say,)
To do either is to interfere in the internal affairs of the US, something that, if any other country tried, would be met with a more than frosty response. And, yet, in Mexico's case we actually listen and some try to act on such outrageous interference.
What deal? They already have a sweet deal, they get our frigging jobs, get our tax payer paid ER medical help, our schools and even our universities, while Mexico gets taxes off of the money they send back. What the hell more do they want? Why can't they turn their own sewer into a real nation? Even with all that oil?
You want the world's oldest socialist nation as a state? (more like 5 or 6 states). Boy, wait till they vote to start nationalizing things, just like home.
Would you really want Fox to be President, or more precisely, "el Presidente?"
My question is what are they going to give us for this? Seems like they've got a lot of gall asking for this favor when they won't even extradite murderers for trial in the US.
The Air Force needs a new bombing range.
They must really believe that crap about our economy resting on the illegals' shoulders.
Ridge, for his part, said an immigration agreement was a "high priority" for President Bush (news - web sites) in his second term, but added that a temporary worker program would be an uphill battle in Congress without provisions for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
He emphasized that the United States would reject any amnesty proposal for Mexicans who are living in the United States illegally or any plan that gives priority to temporary workers when they apply for permanent residency.
Somebody will be right along to tell you that Ridge is lying.
Forgot Sarcasm at the end sorry
Mexico; remember your game in the security council reference immigration? Yes, you tried to black mail us using Iraq as leverage. Either we loosen up on the boarder or youll veto the Iraq resolution.
You blew your wad. Go crawl back into your corner; you creep.
I cant believe this guy has the audacity to still mention this! I have an idea. How about we move the boarder 20 miles South.
Red6
Mexico: The most powerful country on earth.
Well, he just might be "lying", but his lips are moving all around reality...
I guess that's why he's being replaced in February....;-)
I don't know why, but I was just struck by all of the latest trend at providing all the rights of citizenship to visitors. How long will it be before good ol' longtime American citizens figure out that they can denounce their citizenships, and continue to live and work exactly as they are. I mean, why remain a citizen when it just means you get drafted, have to pay taxes, jury duty, etc? Maybe it will lead to a surge in applications by Americans to become Mexican citizens so they can continue to live in America without all the responsibilities of citizenship???
They also get to come here and work, and enjoy freedom while our kids are over in middle east fighting. Makes me so mad
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