Posted on 09/19/2001 3:55:33 AM PDT by Brownie74
WASHINGTON – Immigration talks between the United States and Mexico appear to be among the first political victims of last week's deadly terrorist attacks, analysts and government officials on both sides of the border say.
Meanwhile, U.S. authorities are investigating how three of the suspected terrorists entered the country undetected over the U.S.-Canadian border.
The Bush administration reiterated Tuesday that new immigration measures will be part of an anti-terrorism legislative package to be delivered to Congress as early as Wednesday. Lawmakers also plan to debate tightening the U.S.-Canada border.
The attacks in Washington and New York came days after Mr. Bush welcomed Mexican President Vicente Fox for a state visit that highlighted their friendship and a new spirit of unprecedented cooperation on key issues, including immigration.
The countries have been negotiating an agreement that could allow tens of thousands of Mexican guest workers into the United States. With the Fox administration leading the agenda on migration, they seemed to be on the brink of finding a solution to the decades-old problem, though rocky debates certainly loomed.
For now, "whatever momentum there was has just hit a brick wall," said Steven Camarota, director of research for the Center of Immigration Studies, which describes itself as a nonpartisan think tank opposed to increased immigration.
"Migration talks are, for the time being, defunct," Mr. Camarota said. "They're off the table for now."
Others aren't so sure about declaring the issue dead. "Things will definitely be much harder to get passed, but it's too soon to say 'Throw in the towel,' " said a Democratic aide in the House who spoke on condition of anonymity.
"The attacks will rightly disrupt the rhythm of what we do," said a Mexican diplomat involved with the talks on a comprehensive accord for controlling Mexican migration to the United States. "But the long-term need for a solution, a pact, remains. We just must be prudent about this situation and the timing."
Mexican officials say that in a recent phone conversation, President Bush assured his Mexican counterpart that issues discussed during Mr. Fox's recent visit remained important.
In light of the crisis, Mexican officials added, the United States should work with Mexico to legitimize the flow of migrants and gain a measure of control over the porous border.
Analysts agreed, saying the attacks had turned immigration into a national security issue for the United States.
"Unless Mexico can frame these as national security issues for the United States, then it will be difficult to find an echo in Washington," said Antonio Ocaranza, a consultant with Texas-based Public Strategies and a former Mexican presidential spokesman.
"For example, Mexico could argue that legalizing Mexicans in the United States is better than having a population that is hiding from the law. Likewise, organized crime and drug trafficking need to be framed the same way, as national security issues, in order to get U.S. attention," he said.
Some analysts recalled 1942, when World War II created a significant need for laborers to keep the country producing food.
"There is a strong view among many Americans now that Mexicans play a strong role in the U.S. economy," said Barbara Driscoll, a professor at the Center for North American Studies at the National Autonomous University in Mexico City. "That's why the two countries must continue to talk about migration."
Staff writers Ricardo Sandoval and Laurence Iliff in Mexico City contributed to this report.
I like it! Just like the San Patricios who deserted from the US Army in the Mexcan War and fought against us, or the Lincoln Brigade in the Spanish Civil War. We'll pick them up standing at the corner, offer them $40 and lunch, call them the Pancho Villa Brigade, and let them prove their machismo by storming Kabul (after they finish cutting the grass and drop the kids off at daycare). But of course we won't give them health insurance, pay their social security, or let them have a paid vacation.
People get the government they deserve. Most Americans either like their little brown serfs, have been too busy shopping to pay attention to what's happening to our country, or are so cowardly they don't dare object to the flood of illegal aliens lest they be branded the "R-word."
Hopefully, the vicious attack of 9/11 will make more Americans wake up and realize there country has been invaded and that if we don't throw the invaders out we're literally history.
The illegals for the most part are not here to be Americans, they are here strictly for economic reasons. They feel no allegiance to this country. They wouldn't even be here if they could make in mexico what they can make here. It has nothing to do with love for this country, only the love of the money they can make here, much of which they send back to mexico.
WarHawk42
If W really thinks that Mexicans illegal aliens will assimilate into the American culture, or that Mexicans will vote Republicans, he must be dreaming.
Of course both of you are right. Immigration is turning America into a third world cesspool. Thanks to both of you.
Now, More Than Ever... (A Fundraiser Turns Into an Emergency Call to Action)
I've been busy with work, and in mourning, if THAT can be called a sabbatical.
I mean, I'd just LOVE to spend 24/7 on here just to torment you, but unfortunately, Real Life just doesn't make that possible. **G**
I should worry about what La Raza has to say? I think not. There agenda is to turn the US into mexico north anyway. They couldn't possibly have anything I would want to hear.
Seal the borders. Legal immigration only thank you.:)
WarHawk42
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