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NEW IMMIGRATION POLICY ANNOUNCED FOR NATIVE TRIBES ON MEXICAN BORDER
As enforcement along the US-Mexican border has increased over the past few years, it has had an impact that many may not have foreseen – disrupting the traditional cultural and economic ties between Native Americans on both sides of the border.  Those effected sought legislation to preserve their traditional relationships, but rather than pass new laws, US and Mexican officials have developed a new system that is soon to be implemented along the border.  
Under this system, the Mexican government makes it easier for Native Americans living in Mexico to obtain a Mexican passport, so they can then obtain a US border crossing card.  The US government has also expanded the range of documents that it will accept as evidence of their intent to return to Mexico.  Typically, the INS will accept financial documents, evidence of land ownership, marriage and birth certificates.  However, Native Americans tend to not own land as individuals, and their births and marriages are often not found in official government records.  Under this new arrangement, the US government will accept tribal registry documents. 
Under the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the Revolutionary War between the US colonies and Great Britain, Native Americans along the northern border receive different treatment.  Those born in Canada are allowed to enter the US as permanent residents without the need to apply for an immigrant visa.