Mexico and the Migratory Bill of President George W. Bush: An Uncertain Road to be Traveled

Following his reelection, President George W. Bush reiterated his interest in migratory reform, but according to Mohar, the US President refers to the issue as a general, unilateral reform that does not contemplate Mexico’s participation. Nonetheless, it is evident that, due to the heavy flow of Mexicans immigrants to the United States, these are the people who stand to be most affected by amendments to migratory laws. Given that the exact content of the bill is not yet known, there is great uncertainty as regards its actual repercussions. In this article, Mohar describes the general reform objectives expounded by Bush, such as the temporary workers program, and the issues of security and immigrants without documents. He also speaks of the reactions President Bush’s proposal has stirred up in Mexico and in the United States, and provides an overview of the opportunities, challenges, advantages and disadvantages such a bill will create for both countries in the event it is approved by Congress. In the author’s opinion, the Mexican government needs to take a firm and active diplomatic stance in defense of the rights of Mexicans who emigrate to the United States.