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CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR GRAY DAVIS VISITS MEXICO
During the first week of February, newly elected California governor Gray Davis made a two-day visit to Mexico. Even though Governor Davis has not announced any significant changes in California's policies toward immigrants or relations with Mexico, his visit was still received with great enthusiasm by both the Mexican people and government because of the difference between his attitude toward Mexico and that of former Governor Pete Wilson. Analysts say that the warm reception indicates Mexico's desire to improve relationships with California.
The visit is the first in a number of meetings between Mexican and Californian officials, including a visit from Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo later this spring. This will be the first time the president of Mexico has visited the state since 1993. Leaders of both countries hope the meetings will extend to growing commercial relations between the two. Mexico is already California's number two trading partner.
This does not of course, mean no differences exist between California and Mexico. There are significant differences of opinion on issues such as illegal immigration, capital punishment, and bilingual education. However, there are significant changes. As noted by California Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamonte, one of the most fundamental being that where "the previous administration looked south and saw only problems, we look south and see opportunities." This appears to be the attitude of most Californians, according to a recent poll by the Public Policy Institute of California. Those polled felt immigration from Mexico, legal or illegal, was more of a benefit to the state than a burden.
In an ironic closing note, the Mexico City newspaper Universal reports that Davis failed to have his passport stamped or to turn in his migration slip, rendering him an illegal immigrant.