Monday, November 19, 2007

Some in US Fuming after Mexican President Speaks to Expatriates

By Barnard R. Thompson

In mid-November, at the Foreign Ministry complex in Mexico City, mainly expatriate members of the Advisory Council of the government-sponsored Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME) gathered for the organization’s Tenth Ordinary session.  The inaugural ceremony, on November 14, was presided over by President Felipe Calderón, and the president delivered a hard-hitting speech heard – and apparently meant to be heard – all over the world.

A discourse with a message primarily aimed at the United States – that in the past would have been chiefly for domestic consumption.

Without pulling punches, the President of Mexico soundly criticized the U.S., saying things like, “The growing harassment, and today’s open persecution against Mexicans in the United States, especially concerns me.”

As well, he weighed into U.S. electoral politics: “It is my duty to make a respectful but firm call to the pre-candidates of the various political parties in the United States in order for them to stop taking Mexicans in that country as thematic hostages of their speeches and strategies.”

The world media immediately picked up those and other comments from Calderón’s speech.  For example, the headline in the International Herald Tribune (November 14) read “Mexican president decries ’growing harassment’ of migrants in US, vows to fund media campaign”; the Washington Post (November 15) began “Mexican Leader Sees Bias in U.S. Politicking”; MSNBC (November 15) led with “Mexican president lashes out at U.S. candidates”; and the BBC News headline was “Calderon defends Mexican migrants.”

With the news out the verbal brawl was on, with activists and others who support undocumented migrants and their immigration shouting the virtues of nearly everything the president said.  Conversely, some elected officials and those who oppose illegal immigration in the United States were quick to condemn the Mexican president’s posture and position, and his inappropriate intervention in U.S. politics.

On this latter point, it should be noted that far too many politicians and pundits in each country seem to believe that it is proper for them to point fingers and talk about politics in the other nation.  Yet they also take the position that counterpart critics are wrongfully interfering in domestic affairs when they do the same.

Getting back to Calderón’s speech, it is worth objective assessment, this in order to glean what can be learned and what might be expected in the future.  The president made five points that interested parties should review and consider, as to the Mexican point of view; the pros and cons; how they might be good or bad for those concerned; and how should each nation address the issues in order to find realistic, workable and bilaterally acceptable courses to follow – assuming that is a genuine goal.

The president said that certain public policies are now being promoted through Mexico’s Special Program of Consular Protection and Assistance, a program designed “to improve the quality of life of Mexicans abroad.”  And he outlined the five areas of prime interest.

First, on legal matters, Mexico is strengthening its legal posture with respect to abuse of the rights of Mexicans in foreign countries.  To do so, “we will support the efforts of the communities themselves in order to defend and dignify their image, as well as the struggle against discrimination and stereotyping against Mexicans,” he said.

Pledging to support “the effort underway to avoid discrimination, harassment and defamation of Mexicans in the United States,” the president voiced approval for the “League Against the Discrimination of Mexicans in the United States.”  Saying they are fed up with offenses by anti-migrant groups, IME delegates formed the new League to combat defamation and harassment.

The president’s second point includes a call for objective dialogue on migration, in order to reverse distorted perceptions about Mexican workers.  Mentioning U.S. public opinion, he said that media campaigns will be unleashed to point out the many contributions Mexicans make to the United States and its economy, and in the communities where they live and work.

Thirdly, Calderón said that bilateral talks are underway with the United States regarding immigration reform.  Such reforms will have to take into account economic complexities, and the importance of a freely mobile labor force in support of North American competitiveness, he added.

His fourth point was on the need to generate economic development in Mexico and thus create enough new jobs so that workers will not have to emigrate in the future.

Point five talks about plans to improve, fund and expand Mexican consulates and consular services, in order to better aid and protect Mexicans living abroad.

——————————

Barnard Thompson, editor of MexiData.info, has spent 50 years in Mexico and Latin America, providing multinational clients with actionable intelligence; country and political risk reporting and analysis; and business, lobbying, and problem resolution services.  He can be reached via e-mail at mexidata@ix.netcom.com.