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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."
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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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