Hey Vincent Practice What You Preach. Comprende!

Again I was on the treadmill cooling down and I read a Newsweek article about illegal immigration in Mexico. That is right folks Mexico has an illegal immigration problem, however Mexico is mostly a conduit between its Central American neighbors and the United States. The interesting part was President Fox of Mexico ordered Mexican Soldiers to the border to prevent the illegal immigrants from entering Mexico. I guess he did not want any competition with illegal Mexican workers in the United States.

While Fox calls for amnesty for illegals in the United States, Mexico has some of the toughest anti-immigration laws. An illegal immigrant can spend up to two years in prison. This does not take into consideration Mexico's less than stellar enforcement of civil rights. Remember that in Mexico you are guilty till proven innocent and prisoners do not have the plush life style and amenities as they do in America. As for amnesty, according to the Newsweek Article Mexico has only granted 15,000 visas.

It is interesting that the United States is getting advice from a good neighbor that is not reciprocating the same courtesy to its neighbors. The United States as a sovereign nation has the right to protect its borders and that is what it should do. It also has to balance the protection of its border with a program that will allow migrant workers seek jobs in America legally and also promote economic interests in Mexico. The other way to stem the tide of illegal immigration is provide economic assistance to Mexico and to encourage it to reform its laws to make it easier to do business.

On a side note, I don't see the United States saying anything about Mexico's tough stance on immigration, nor do you hear about it in the media. I must say that I'm glad Newsweek did that article, but look at the picture I posted with the article which was reprinted in American newspapers at the apex of the illegal immigrant protests. Don't you find it interesting that the Mexican newspaper did not even mention the hypocrisy of their own President calling for President Bush to do what he has refused to do himself. Don't you find it disturbing the our own press will just put what others say as fact without even checking, giving an explanation, or even an alternative view. I find it very disturbing that the press did not even address the steps Mexico took to curb illegal immigration entering their country until polls showed the American people's view had solidified and it appears there is now way the press can sway it from supporting tougher immigration.

Tomorrow I will post about Somalia.