After reading Jorge G. Castañeda's article in the Atlantic Monthly, I did a little research on him and learned of his long and questionable involvement in internal American politics. This highlights a truly revolutionary role reversal between the United States and Mexico: historically the United States has shamelessly interfered in Mexico's internal affairs, but in recent years Mexican politicians have shown a disregard for American sovereignty by interfering in internal American affairs. Mr. Castañeda presided over this shift when he demanded that the United States undertake "integral immigration reform" or what he colorfully labeled as the "whole enchillada or nothing," which includes a complete amnesty, a massive guest worker program (in spite of our high unemployment), a removal of the quota on Mexican immigration and the suppression of ranchers that guard their property. He went on to declare that undocumented immigrants should "organize themselves in order to defend themselves against the federal, state and local authorities that are against them..." Before we continue, I must clarify two essential points:
One - although I see the necessity of achieving a humane, rational and comprehensive immigration reform, it constitutes an internal affair of the United States that must be decided by the American people, not by foreign officials nor even by the immigrants themselves.
Two - I am not criticizing Mexico; if anything I admire the national zeal that these Mexican officials are demonstrating in promoting their economic and social interests. Rather my disgust and criticism is directed towards the large segments of America's political, economic and academic elite, whom in contrast to the bulk of the American people, totally lack a sense of national sovereignty and pride.
In 1995 President Zedillo actively campaigned, within the United States, against proposition 187, a referendum that would have cut off welfare benefits to California's undocumented immigrants. While there was much to criticize about this proposition, it was completely unacceptable to allow a foreign leader to involve himself in the internal political affairs of the voters of California. This is particularly noteworthy, because in Mexico is is a criminal offense for non-citizens to even discuss Mexico's internal politics. And most definitely the Mexican government does not permit documented or undocumented immigrants to participate in politics and marches.
In 2002 & 2003 Castañeda spoke in front of a LULAC convention, which is an organization of Latin Americans within the United States. During his speech he harshly criticized America's immigration policies and urged convention goes to lobby US legislators to push for an immigration accord. Mexican nationalists would rightfully howl with indignation if an American politician, standing on Mexican soil gave political instructions to Mexican voters.
While speaking in Los Angeles, Castañeda on Monday stated "We won't rest until we achieve the regularization of our countrymen" and "The Mexican agenda will focus its strategy to reach these goals through reinforced dialogue with the U.S. Congress and its leaders, governors, media and business community." Regardless of the merits of amnesty, it is beyond the pale of reason to allow a foreign government to aggressively seek to influence internal American affairs against the will of the majority of the American electorate.
Former President Fox reiterated this when he stated: "In the last few months we have managed to achieve an improvement in the situation of many Mexicans in that country, regardless of their migratory status, through schemes that have permitted them access to health and education systems, identity documents, as well as the full respect for their labor and human rights." Although I strongly affirm the importance of human treatment of all immigrants regardless of their status, it is the sole right of the American people and not foreign leaders to determine our health and welfare policies. I am equally critical of the the American government when it seeks to interfere with the policies of other governments, even if I find them distasteful.
Beyond individual politicians, Mexican consulates have been at the forward of interfering in America's internal affairs. In California members of the state legislature and the consulate
discussed issues of granting driver's licenses and in-state-tuition to undocumented immigrants. The consulate's defense of the interests of Mexican citizens is perfectly understandable, but having elected American politicians collaborate with foreign officials is troubling. One of the California legislative bests sums up this relationship when he stated "We want to discuss all the themes that affect the Mexicans living here and at the same time recognize the point of view that Mexico has." The only point of view that elected American officials should consider is that of the American citizens that elected them. In addition, Teodoro Maus, the consul general in Atlanta (from 1989 - 2001) vociferously opposed the declaration of English as the official language of Georgia and demanded an apology from a local radio talk show host who suggested that machine gun posts be placed at the border. While I am undecided on the merit of the 1st proposition and disgusted by the talk show host, the head of the Mexican consulate greatly overstepped his boundaries.
We end this post with the troubling questions: what does is say about the spirit and vision of our political, economic and academic elite when so many of their members allow or even abet foreign officials in the violation of our sovereignty and national interests? Forging a path towards humane and sustainable immigration policy is essential for the economic and social welfare of the United States, but it is a path that must be solely determined by the people of the United States. On a deeper level, the political interference that I have amply documented shows that the rapid economic and demographic convergence of Mexico and the United States is being accompanied by a gradual political convergence. Ironically, the Mexican nationalists that aggressively interfere in America's domestic affairs are setting the stage for political convergence that will most erode their own cherished sovereignty.
For all their differences, Mexican and American elites share one thing in common: an utter disdain for the will and welfare of their own people.
http://www.thesocialcontract.com/artman2/publish/tsc1302/article_1123.shtml
http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2002/2/14/223039.shtml
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