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Mexico criticises US on immigration
Al
Jazeera.net
Monday Sept 3, 2007
Mexico's president has criticised the US for immigration policies that
have divided families and slowed the flow of money sent home by Mexicans
living in America.
The attack earned Felipe Calderon a standing ovation on Sunday during
his first state-of-the nation address despite protesters rallying outside.
"We strongly protest the unilateral measures taken by the US congress
and government that have only persecuted and exacerbated the mistreatment
of Mexican undocumented workers," he said.
Battle for rights
"The insensitivity toward those who support the US economy and society
has only served as an impetus to reinforce the battle … for their
rights."
He said the US and Mexico needed to work together to develop "the
region's enormous potential".
"We need to create a strong, winning Mexico that is sure of itself,"
he said. "Mexico's challenge is being able to strengthen its international
position."
Since taking office in December, Calderon has maintained strong ties with
the US but has also not shied away from criticising his neighbour.
He has often denounced US immigration policy, including stepped-up workplace
raids and deportations that have divided many families, sometimes forcing
US-born children to be left behind or build new lives in Mexico.
Calderon also said he would improve communication between the president's
office and congress.
Calderon addressed the nation on Sunday from the National Palace, avoiding
a showdown with legislators still angry over his narrow electoral victory
last year, who had vowed to prevent him from making the speech in congress,
as Mexican tradition dictates.
Calderon has garnered some of the highest approval ratings in Mexico's
history.
He said on Sunday that Mexico has created 618,000 new jobs since January
and needed to do more to close the giant gap between the rich and the
poor.
He also promised to continue his nationwide crackdown on drug gangs who
control large swaths of Mexican territory.
"We can close our eyes to the reality, and because we are afraid
or irresponsible, let organised crime take over our streets," he
said. "Or we can decide to fight and defeat crime with all the risks
and costs that implies."
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