Thread: Mexico pins hope on legalization of migrants, despite tough

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexi ... ation.html

Mexico pins hope on legalization of migrants, despite tough Bush speech


By Mark Stevenson
ASSOCIATED PRESS

9:22 a.m. November 29, 2005

MEXICO CITY – Mexico is pinning its hopes on the legalization of migrants living in the United States, a presidential spokesman said Tuesday, despite a tough speech by U.S. President George W. Bush promising more border enforcement and no amnesty for undocumented migrants.
Bush's speech on Monday stressed his support for a temporary guest worker program, but that plan envisions having most workers return home after up to six years working in the United States. Mexico is pushing for more permanent, legal residence.

"The viability of any possible reform for temporary workers would depend, fundamentally, on the possibility of constructing alternatives for the regularization of those workers already living in the United States, as well as those who might go there in the future for employment," said Ruben Aguilar, spokesman for President Vicente Fox.

"Mexico has fought so that any immigration reform be based on principles like family reunification, and recognition for the contributions of migrants to society and the economy, both of Mexico and the United States."

Aguilar called for an "integrated vision" of border security. Mexico has rejected in the past unilateral border protection measures like walls.

He said Mexico would continue to monitor the progress of immigration reform proposals through its embassy and consulates, and "maintain permanent contact with the various protagonists in the United States."

He said Mexican consulates have orders to "defend the complete respect for the human rights of our countrymen."

Regarding Mexicans living abroad – who will be able to cast absentee ballots for the first time in a presidential election in 2006 – Aguilar said Fox's administration has decided to suspend its normal governmental advertising, and dedicate part of that airtime to a special campaign to register mainly migrant voters.

The administration's ads – to run from Dec. 11 to Jan. 18 – are expected to reach many migrants who return home for the holidays. All requests for absentee ballots must be postmarked by Jan. 15.

Government advertising in Mexico normally touts the administration's achievements. However, electoral officials have proposed suspending all ads that could be viewed as political in nature over the holidays for a "Christmas truce," prior to what is expected to be a hotly contested 2006 presidential campaign.

Elections are scheduled for July 2. Fox is barred by law from seeking re-election.

Yes by all means unify families by expelling illegal immgrants.