A Mexican government official has drawn criticism from the US because of comments recently made regarding Mexico's encouragement of illegal border crossings. Recently, Fernando Solis Camara, the head of Mexico's migration agency told a Mexican reporter that "At no time will we take any action that could discourage Mexicans from emigrating to the United States. That is because these are people who leave their families and their homes with the legitimate goal of bettering their lives."

The US would like to see the Mexican government take a stand against illegal crossings, particularly in light of the deaths of dozens of Mexicans this summer in the deserts of the Southwestern US.

But Mexican government officials point to Article 11 of the Mexican Constitution which guarantees that all Mexicans have freedom of movement and the right to go where they wish. Mexican officials believe this means those wishing to leave the country too. Nevertheless, they are working with the US government to offer more protection to those making the trip. New signs are being posted warning about natural hazards and rescue teams now patrol the area to help migrants in need.

Following the remarks, US Ambassador to Mexico Jeffrey Davidow criticized the Mexican policy. "I believe that the Mexican government has a policy of not impeding the flow of immigrants to the United States. I do not agree with that policy."

Many expect the flow of immigration Mexico to increase if the worldwide economic crisis spreads in Latin America.