Immigration reform not likely in 2010

Mexico's ambassador to the United States has conveyed pessimism about the prospects for a comprehensive reform of US immigration laws in 2010. In comments made at a January 8 meeting of his country's diplomatic corps, Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan said US politicians would be unlikely to address the hot-button immigration issue if no legislation is passed before US Congressional races heat up later this summer. Sarukhan's remarks came at a time when some pro-immigrant forces in the US are heartened by the introduction of immigration reform legislation in the US House by Representative by Luis Gutierrez (D-Illinois), and when activists are redoubling efforts to get a bill approved this year that includes a path to legalization for undocumented residents. For instance, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops is mounting a campaign to send 1.5 million postcards in support of immigration reform to members of Congres. On the other hand, opponents of reform are gearing up for anti-legalization "tea parties." Despite a potentially unfavorable political climate for reform in the US, Sarukhan said the status of Mexican migrants in the US remains a top priority for his nation. "Regardless of the color of the party that holds power in the country, no issue is more important for the future economic well-being of our two countries and North America in general than a comprehensive immigration reform, " Sarukhan said. In Mexico, meanwhile, the Chamber of Deputies has approved a request by the Calderon administration to drastically slash a migrant return support program. In 2010, 100 million pesos, or about $9 million, will be earmarked to help returning migrants in 24 states and 563 municipalities. Last year, 300 million pesos were budgeted for the Migrant Support Fund amid fears that migrants expelled from the recession-wracked United States would overwhelm Mexico. More than one-third of the 2009 budget was destined to three states-Michoacan, Jalisco and Zacatecas. Monies from the program were reportedly spent on improving migrants' homes and supporting new micro-enterprises. Mexican legislator Leticia Salazar of President Calderon's National Action Party said the decision to cut the 2010 Migrant Support Fund by two-thirds was made because money was actually left unspent in the previous year's budget. Predictions of an influx of expelled migrants simply did not materialize, Salazar said. "There was no massive return of migrants as we had projected," Salazar added. ______________________________________________ Additional sources: Agencia Reforma, January 9, 2010. La Jornada/Notimex, January 8, 2009. Frontera NorteSur (FNS): on-line, U.S.-Mexico border news Center for Latin American and Border Studies New Mexico State University Las Cruces, New Mexico For a free electronic subscription email: fnsnews@nmsu.ed