Panel discusses U.S.-Mexican relations

Sunday, February 25, 2007
By Matt Vande Bunte
The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS -- President Bush has proposed a $1.2 billion, 700-mile fence on the country's southern border to address illegal immigration.

Mexico's new president, Felipe Calderon, is seeking a different solution.

"Mr. Calderon is working to keep the rule of law in our country," said Vicente Sanchez-Ventura, consul of Mexico in Detroit. "If we have rule of law, we can make secure the investments of different countries and work peacefully to create jobs.

"(A wall) is not a solution. The U.S. and Mexico can work together." ( yes, the corruption is showing up in all levels of our government, he must be proud of himself)

The Mexican consul will join two professors Monday as the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan presents a panel discussion on Calderon's first months in office.

Sanchez-Ventura said illegal immigration "is not going to be the first topic on our agenda." Instead, new Mexican leadership will focus on drug and arms trafficking.

"We recognize that we need to do our work," he said.

Khedija Gadhoum, a Grand Valley State University professor, said Calderon's initial crackdown on drug cartels and corrupt police could have an impact on immigration. With better security south of the border, prospects for tourism and economic investment would improve, she said.

"At least he has been showing a tough hand," Gadhoum said. "I don't know if this offensive is a show . . . or if this is the beginning of a sustained effort.

"The U.S.-Mexico border is a very porous frontier. Everything that happens in Mexico will have an effect in the United States."


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