perri wrote on Mar 21, 2006 5:22 AM:Are they kidding or what. Lets see what would happen if I went to mexico and demanded health care , food stamps,drivers lic, etc..... They would throw me in some rat infested prison.Wake up united states!

Sandy K wrote on Mar 21, 2006 7:17 AM:What a crock! Why don't we take out full page ads in the newspapers in Mexico explaining to them that 1. When a Mexican crosses the border illegally, he/she is a criminal. 2. The American citizens are sick and tired of supporting these criminals so they can send their money earned here back home. 3. We are tired of their kids in our schools, their uninsured drivers on our roads, their gangs on our streets. 4. We are tired of them taking American citizen jobs (and I'm not talking about picking strawberries). 5. We are tired of the 11-12+ million illegal aliens demanding their "rights." and we are sick and tired of the Mexican government telling us we have any kind of responsibility for these criminals. Build the fences, FINE AMERICANS WHO HIRE THEM and send these illegals home. This country will not fall apart. Just think of all the money we would have if our schools weren't overcrowded, our prisions weren't overcrowded, our welfare systems and hospitals weren't going broke. Now that's a problem I would like to deal with. No, Mr. Laveaga, our churches are the ONLY institutions not bursting at the seams with illegals.

Californian wrote on Mar 21, 2006 8:52 AM:It is time for serious talk between the United States and Mexico. Lets put our xenophobia and prejudice aside for the sake of our children's future, U.S. children as well as Mexican(descendants). We cannot continue to ignore the fact that we live next to each other, that as long as the world greatest super power lives next to a third-world nation, there will always be people willing to die (crossing a border) in order to provide a better future for their family. The “lets kick these illegals out and build a super fence”—mentality will only hurt us, Americans, in the long run. I ask each one of you to seriously look at this issue with an open mind and open heart, but mainly with compassion and love. Lets not forget that the people that we so often refer to as “illegal aliens” are also human beings and Christians (Mexico 90% Catholic). It is easy to get caught in a hateful rhetoric, but one must be aware that this only fuels the hate and disdain towards those that might resemble indigenous characteristics. Making the lives more miserable than it already is of those desperately searching for a better life does not solve anything. Currently, there are laws pending that would criminalize (felony) anyone found in the country without legal documents. This and other measures remind me of the way the Nazi government, headed by Hitler, began demonizing the Jewish.

Carrie wrote on Mar 21, 2006 10:13 AM:I don't have a problem with LEGAL immigration. Why is ILLEGAL so hard to understand? Why don't we just throw all the laws and rules of everything into the toilet and let everyone run amok. Why should I be expected to obey the laws of the land and ILLEGALS are given my hard earned dollars? They wouldn't be dying out in the deserts if they USE THE BORDER LEGALLY. What a concept.

Proud American wrote on Mar 21, 2006 10:23 AM:"The Mexican people believe proposals to criminalize illegal immigrants are misguided, he said. We are dealing with human beings who have been contributing to the U.S. economy, people who pay taxes, hard-working, church-going people who are not criminals," he said." Again, it is illegal to be in the United States without proper authorization or documentation, or is it not? What does the law say? (Regardless as to the fact that it isn't being enforced properly.) The very act and state of being in entering the United States as such is illegal, and is a FEDERAL offense--- which is a criminal act in and of itself. The 'proposals' to 'criminalize' illegal immigrants are 'misguided'? Such illogic makes me want to vomit. Take the same statement, using the same illogic, but use another example of law-breakers, and see how much sense it makes:**** The Mexican people believe proposals to criminalize rapists are misguided, he said. We are dealing with human beings who have been contributing to the U.S. economy, people who pay taxes, hard-working, church-going people who are not criminals. **** See what I mean? (Oh, save those responses and complaints that I am comparing illegal aliens to rapists. I'm not. I am pointing out faulty logic when laws are not adhered to across the board, regardless of topic or people group. Use logic!!!!!!!!!!!)

Patty wrote on Mar 21, 2006 11:02 AM:People who talk out of their ass need to educate themselves and inform themselves before they make stupid comments. If you are not a Native American Indian you are an immigrant, no matter what skin color you have, no matter when your ancestors arrived in this country. The U.S. was founded by immigrants! People come to this country searching for stable income, something lacking in their countries. If they stay in their countries and go through the red tape and the process of getting legal documents to enter the United States, they would die from hunger waiting for their acceptance letter. "Sandy K" you need to stop being in denial and accept that illegals do all of the hard labor you are not willing to do. That's why you rarely see an illegal immigrant with a homeless sign asking for money at the corner. Those "Americans" (people who considered themselves above everyone) are just spoiled brats that need to come out of their comfort zone and see the bigger picture, the world beyond their borders and understand that they are not the only ones entitled to live a good life. Every human has that same right.

LegalAlien wrote on Mar 21, 2006 11:15 AM:Both of the plans being suggested are unacceptable to those of us who legally went through the procedures to become permanent residents and then citizens. We really don't need guest workers to "take jobs Americans don't want". There are 37 million people living in poverty in this country. If business paid a living wage, took taxes out, paid into social security and medicare rather than paying illegal aliens cash, we wouldn't have people living one paycheck away from living on the street. Everyone who comes to America is looking for a better life, some of us just play by the rules and follow the laws. We wonder why our children can't get a good education or why our elderly cannot afford decent healthcare? When our taxes are providing these services for non-contributors they drain the systems that are in place to take care of our own citizens. That is why we are experiencing a transfer from what used to be paid for by the government to our pocketbooks. No other country in the world will educate your children for free or let you show up at the hospital for treatment without providing some form of payment. We can't keep doing it either. No one is demonizing anyone, all we want is everyone to contribute to the services they take advantage of!

Ron wrote on Mar 21, 2006 12:35 PM:Then I want to buy some property in Mexico on a mexican government loan, just like our government is loaning money to illegals. Isn't that fair?

EducateYourself wrote on Mar 21, 2006 12:37 PM:Read the last section from the Mexican Embassy statement. Some of the provisions are a little far reaching, don't you think? For example, the undocument worker being granted the same rights and duties - as CITIZENS?? Also, take note of the bilateral medical provision and perhaps paying pensions? Our own workforce is losing pension benefits almost daily. Elements related to a possible migration reform in the United States Mexico does not promote undocumented migration and is eager to participate in finding solutions that will help us face the migration phenomenon. Accordingly, the group decided to express certain thoughts about what is the México’s position in case a migration reform takes place in the United States: · Acknowledging the sovereign right of each country to regulate the entrance of foreigners and the conditions of their stay, it is indispensable to find a solution for the undocumented population that lives in the United States and contributes to the development of the country, so that people can be fully incorporated into their actual communities, with the same rights and duties. · Support the proposal of a far-reaching guest workers scheme, which should be one of the parts of a larger process that includes the attention of the undocumented Mexicans that live in the United States. · In order for a guest workers program to be viable, Mexico should participate in its design, management, supervision and evaluation, under the principle of shared responsibility. · A scheme aimed to process the legal temporary flow of persons, will allow Mexico and the United States to better combat criminal organizations specialized in the smuggling of migrants and the use of false documents, and to combat, in general, the violence and the insecurity that prevail in the shared border. Likewise, Mexico would be in a better position to exhort potential migrants to abide by the proper rules and to adopt measures in order to reduce undocumented migration. · Mexico should conclude the studies that are being conducted to know which tasks will help with the implementation of a guest workers program, regarding the proper management of the supply of potential participants, the establishment of supporting certification mechanisms, and the supervision and evaluation of its development. · Mexico acknowledges that a crucial aspect for the success of a temporary workers program refers to the capacity to guarantee the circular flow of the participants, as well as the development of incentives that encourage migrants to return to our country. Mexico could significantly enhance its tax-preferred housing programs, so that migrants can construct a house in their home communities while they work in the United States. · Other mechanisms that should be developed are the establishment of a bilateral medical insurance system to cover migrants and their relatives, as well as the agreement of totalization of pension benefits, which will allow Mexicans working in the United States to collect their pension benefits in Mexico. · Mexico could also enhance the programs of its Labor and Social Development Ministries, in order to establish social and working conditions that encourage and ease the return and reincorporation of Mexicans into their home communities.

American woman wrote on Mar 21, 2006 1:06 PM:I hope folks aren't actually expecting this to take place in our lifetime (the next 20 years). This is just more of the same old political rhetoric, only this time it's in an "American" AND a "Mexican" context. No thanks. As legal, tax-paying citizens of a sovereign nation, we are guaranteed security at our border(s), against any threat of invasion. So far, amid a fair amount of grandstanding and blowing smoke, no one, including President Bush himself, has been successful in slowing the flow of illegal aliens over our Southern border(s). Not even in the nearly five years since 9/11! In fact, according to the US Border Patrol, the invasion has increased over the past few months. Now, anywhere from 10,000 to 13,000 illegal aliens cross into the country every day, 24/7/365. Americans have repeatedly called for troops at the border, to no avail. We are looking at an influx of approximately 3 million unknown, unvetted foreigners coming here to live, to work and/or to commit whatever criminal activity they may entertain. I don't know about my fellow readers, but I feel a certain amount to severe discomfort when I consider this fact. President Bush has proven himself unable or unwilling to address the ever-increasing numbers of people coming here illegally. Today, they flow over our border as I write this. I can picture it, can't you? Tonight, they will continue to come, and tomorrow and the day after... Mexico's sudden interest in being neighborly and working out an immigration policy with the US, is ridiculous and unacceptable. Mexico has proven to be a lousy neighbor. Tall, sturdy fences can be extremely conducive to a more secure and safer neighborhood. I'll open my gate to a neighbor I trust, and secure it against those I do not know or who might be a threat to me. This is just more idle talk...when my government stands up in solidarity with it's people, I will start listening to what it has to say.

Kent wrote on Mar 21, 2006 1:20 PM:It's time Mexico took responsibility for it's own. If the American people who weep for the plight of the illegals want to help, they should go to Mexico and do so. Same goes for the Catholic Church and other faith-based organizations. The thousands of members of US Corporation-sponsored Latino organizations should alos go to the source of the problem. I think it is a noble thing, to want to lift the down-trodden up out of their strife and misery. Just take it to the source! I can only imagine the progress that could take place if all these folks would get together with one goal in mind: To save the country and people of Mexico. Many of us feel this way I'm sure! I would even be willing to take a turn at helping the Mexican people myself, if they will just promise to stay home! Come for a visit (on a visa), but develope your own communities in your own country! Make your own success. Stop burdening the American taxpayers. Sorry, but I enjoy the former way of life here in my country. It is diverse and rich in cultural diversity, but for the most part, America is an ASSIMILATION of all nationalities, working and living side by side...LEGALLY.

Kevin wrote on Mar 21, 2006 5:57 PM:Back in 1999 I was a single parent trying to get by while raising my son,alone. I was trying to get help through the state that I lived in at the time for him. I was turned down on the basis that I made to much money. At that time the local newspaper ran a store about a pregnant Mexican woman who came fron Central Mexico ILLEGALY. Well she has her baby here in the US & that baby gets all kind of help from our government. Can you see what's wrong with that picture? Why is it we can't just take care of our own before we worry about those who shouldn't even be here to begin with. I applaude those who are standing up against the flood of illegal immagration from Mexico. I believe in the Minute Men & what they are doing along our borders. I applaud those who want to build the wall along the border of Mexico & the US. I laugh at Mr. Fox who says that we are doing an injustice to his country by building the wall. What he is woried about is the fact that the people who are in the US working for cash under the table so they don't get caught wouldn't have anything to send home. This in turn would hurt the Mexican economy. Become LEGAL AMRICAN CITIZENS & become a part of the US, but if you're not going to that then go back to Mexico & let them take care of you!

Carrie wrote on Mar 21, 2006 6:22 PM:This is to Patty: I am a Native American. Welcome to my country.

Fool on the Hill wrote on Mar 22, 2006 5:19 AM:This might just turn out to be the biggest mistake that the Mexican government has made to date. When push really comes to shove, I'm betting that the illegal immmigrant apologists will come out on the losing end of this issue. Tolerance is reaching a breaking point. You still have to be a legal citizen to vote in a sovereign nation's election. Missionaries and other well-intentioned groups always have the right to travel to places where help is needed. There is no need to bring them all here.

America the Free wrote on Mar 23, 2006 9:53 AM:So "when did you come to America the free?" One generation ago? Two, three, four, five when?? "Who are your ancestors??" Do you know, have you forgotten? Are we so ignorant and selfish that we've lost sight of how America was formed? Will we choose to become a racist, selfish, material nation because we choose not to put a human face on these global issues? It's not about Mexico, can you not see? It's global. Can you not look beyond your precious border?? Do you not value working towards beign good neighbors and fostering good will? Where will a nation of hatred, materialism, and prepotence lead us? It's not about patriotism you see, it's about humanity and respect and values of much higher calibre. It could be as simple as just using your heart and putting your fabricated fears aside. No one chooses to be born in poverty. What if you were born in a poor country??Would you spend a lifetime watching your loved ones barely get by? Would you not sacrifice everything to find a way to improve the future of your children? Then why is this a crime? If you're born in poverty and have no access to a legalized means of seeking economic opportunities then you are sentenced to a wretched life???? The human spirit is never succumbing, it is ever-striving and as Americans we should know better.

freedom wrote on Mar 31, 2006 2:40 PM:thank you america the free!

Naeco wrote on Apr 5, 2006 1:54 PM:First of all, Mexicans are not the only people sending there money to their country. There is a lot of people from India in the US sending a lot of money back to their country and taking many American jobs. The people from Mexico do the jobs nobody else wants. Why aren't you complaining about the Higher Paying Jobs?

Tired_In_California wrote on Apr 5, 2006 5:43 PM:Let the Mexican government care for its own citizens, not the taxpayers of the United States. If you haven't written your congressman/congresswoman or senator yet, PLEASE do so as soon as possible!!!!! Tell them your view!!!!

Support our own wrote on Apr 5, 2006 5:48 PM:America the Free .... when was the last time you sold everything you own to help the illegals out? Sell your car(s) yet? Sell your TV yet? How about shut down your cable? You're free to spend your money the way YOU want to, but not to spend MY tax dollars. I want my tax dollars spent on American children that live in poverty, on American children that don't have a chance at college. Mexico needs to take care of its own.

billy bob wrote on Feb 21, 2008 9:39 AM:I thought that all the people were createde equal