Migratory Reforms: Challenges and Opportunities for Mexico and the United States

In this article, the author analyzes the speech delivered by President Bush on January 7, 2004, regarding migratory reforms. According to Papademetriou, this is an intentionally ambiguous migratory policy plan that, on the one hand, calls for stricter enforcement of the law and, on the other, promises to provide greater access for foreign workers to further the economic interests of the United States and its labor market. The plan, he says, marks progress in terms of the statu quo of immigrants, but at the end of the day, it is Congress that is responsible for passing legislation. For new migratory laws to be approved, these must have the backing of two parties. Even if the Bush administration truly intends to forge ahead with this project, it would be unrealistic to expect legislation to be passed before the end of 2006. Furthermore, the plan must have the support of civil society in the United States and its partners or counterparts in Mexico. The author believes that Mexico needs to lobby the US Congress and concludes by saying that it must prepare itself as best as possible, if this, or any other migratory reform plan, is to be of benefit to Mexicans.