http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/miami/16600.html

Ambassador argues against wall

El Universal
January 13, 2006
Carlos de Icaza said North American nations need to cooperate in order to compete globally.

WASHINGTON - In an online chat session, Mexico´s Ambassador to the United States said Thursday that instead of building walls to halt illegal immigration, Washington should extend bridges to integrate the economies of the nations of North America.

"If in North America we are going to face the challenge of (competing with) Asian economies, we need to increase our ability to compete in the globalized market. Instead of fences, let there be more bridges," Ambassador Carlos de Icaza said in the online forum organized by The Washington Post.

He defended the position of the Mexican government against the construction of more barriers on the southern U.S. border and in favor of immigration reform that permits migration that is "safe, humane, legal and dignified."

De Icaza responded to more than a dozen online questions from people all over the United States, Latin America and Europe about immigration and the controversy around a bill that would provide for walling off the entire U.S.-Mexico border.

The proposal was approved in the House of Representatives last month and is scheduled for debate in the Senate. The bill would make illegal immigration a felony.

De Icaza repeatedly said that the solution to illegal immigration lies in better cooperation between the two nations.

The envoy said that migration from Mexico is a response to demand in the U.S. labor market, adding the U.S. economy is 15 times the size of Mexico´s.

"The U.S. economy demands every year around 500,000 low-skilled workers and only offers around 5,000 visas for this category. We have to match the realities of the market with the security needs," the diplomat said in response to a question.

Later, he emphasized that "the best hope for the control of immigration is a comprehensive reform that balances security concerns with the realities of the economy."

He insisted that Mexico is not asking for special treatment for its citizens and touted Mexico´s increased cooperation with the United States in anti-terrorism activities and other matters of bilateral interest. {BAWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA}