Mexican Gov't to Target Migrant Issues
http://www.mexiconews.com.mx/
5-25-06
Gov´t to target migrant issues
President Vicente Fox on Tuesday reiterated his country´s commitment to resolving the immigration problem with the United States at the beginning of a U.S. tour that will take him to the states of Utah, Washington and California.
The president stressed his resolve on immigration before departing for Utah.
President Vicente Fox on Tuesday reiterated his country´s commitment to resolving the immigration problem with the United States at the beginning of a U.S. tour that will take him to the states of Utah, Washington and California.
Before departing for Salt Lake City, the first stop on his trip, Fox told campesino leaders in Mexico City that approval of immigration reform in Washington will not exempt Mexicans from "doing their part" to promote socio-economic development to avoid massive emigration.
"It would be irresponsible to turn a blind eye and think that the immigration solution will relieve us of our commitment. On the contrary, it will obligate us more than ever to generate more (employment) opportunities in Mexico," he emphasized.
Fox´s office on Monday said the president will attempt to promote immigration reform in all three U.S. states, as well as to attract investment and trade to create jobs in Mexico, and to support the sizable Mexican community in the Western United States in its demand for respect for human and labor rights.
Fox said he was "moderately optimistic" that U.S. lawmakers quickly would approve "comprehensive" immigration reform, according to news conference remarks by Mexico´s assistant secretary for North America, Gerónimo Gutiérrez, who will accompany the president on his four-day U.S. trip.
The government hopes the immigration reform being debated in the United States will include better job and security opportunities for Mexicans.
"Mexico wants to be part of the solution and not only the problem in the (immigration) issue, and therefore we are trying by every means to approximate and insist upon our points of view, favorably insist ... in the debate," Gutiérrez added.
"It seems to me that what we must seek in this matter is better understanding with full respect for our differences," he added, speaking in the presidential aircraft hangar.
Finally, he emphasized that when immigration reform is worked out and although it will include benefits for both nations, "probably nobody will be completely satisfied."
"We believe that that is part of democracy and the legislative process and the important thing is that millions of Mexicans living in the United States are benefitted, and also that temporary work permits for that nation are improved," he said.
