MEXICAN PRESIDENT DISCUSSES TREATMENT OF IMMIGRANTS DURING CALIFORNIA VISIT
A few months after newly elected California Gov. Gray Davis visited Mexico, Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo made a three day visit to California. This was the first visit by the President of Mexico since California voters passed Proposition 187, and may reflect an important change in relations between the state and its southern neighbor. Mexico recently passed Japan as California’s leading trade partner.
Pres. Zedillo and Gov. Gray both called for increased business and trade relations, as well as better treatment of Mexicans living in California, whether authorized or not. Reflecting on Prop. 187, which would deny educational and health benefits to illegal immigrants, including children, Pres. Zedillo noted the important role Mexican workers, both legal and otherwise, have played in the state’s booming economy. He also spoke of how impressed he was by the progress made by Mexican-Americans in the state, citing Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante and Speaker of the State Legislature Antonio Villaraigosa as examples.
Zedillo also urged Mexicans living in California to not forget their Mexican heritage, but did not go so far as to endorse the efforts being made to allow Mexican nationals living elsewhere to vote in Mexican national elections. Before leaving Zedillo became the first ever Mexican president to address a joint session of the California state legislature.
Another important point made by President Zedillo was the growing concern in Mexico about the numbers of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border that die each summer. There is a feeling in Mexico that the primary cause of the growing numbers of deaths is the increased Border Patrol presence in border cities, forcing migrants to more remote and inhospitable areas. He did not call for any specific action by the U.S., most likely because of the upcoming meeting between officials from the two countries. On June 3rd and 4th cabinet level officials from the U.S. and Mexico will be holding an annual meeting.
INS ANNOUNCES NEW POLICY ON
REVIEW OF MANDATORY DETENTION CASES
