Now I don't intend this to be either for or against Arizona's new law regarding illegal aliens, or those suspected of being so. However, a little light on the subject.
As many of you know, I go to Mexico every year and have been doing so for almost 25 years. Lately I have been going down for eight weeks at a time. I simply let you know this to let you know I do have some first-hand knowledge of what I am saying.
Mexico has very strict laws regarding illegal immigrants, including those from the United States. And yes, regardless of what you might believe, a lot of people from the United States do go to Mexico to live and work illegally. The wages may not be high but the living is easy. A lot of them work in bars and restaurants where, in tourist towns, being fluent in English is a big plus. I run into these people all the time.
However, without the proper papers, I believe an FM3 is one of the appropriate ones, this is illegal and if you are found living or working without the proper papers you are subject to arrest, a fine
and imprisonment or deportation. Also, without the proper papers, you are not allowed to own a car, get a Mexican driver's license, open a bank account, or any number of things it seems relatively easy to do in the United States without the proper papers.
Why is it that the United States is so reluctant to enforce laws that are routinely enforced in Mexico? Could it be that we need undocumented Mexican workers in the United States much more than Mexico needs undocumented workers from the United States?
Oh, and the Mexican police will stop you on the street and ask to see your papers if they suspect you are in the country illegally or doing something illegal. Although where I go, Puerto Vallarta, is relatively free of the drug related violence near the border, drug useage is not uncommon. And, as you might suspect, this includes the sale of drugs and useage by those from both the United States and Canada.
I will also say that Mexico seems to have a much more straightforward way for you to become legal than the United States. I know many people who live either part time or full time in Mexico, some with permanent resident visas and some who have become citizens. And many, if not most, of these people do work in Mexico.
So there you have it. My two pesos worth.
1 comment:
I don't like to be labeled. So I'm not a Liberal or a Conservative. Or a Republican or a Democrat. What I am is old and lately I don't care what people think of me.
On this particular subject I have one stand.
If you are in a country you get there legally or you get thrown out. The law is the law. Let the chips fall where they may. All other considerations are just people flapping their gums. I'm sure this is not a popular opinion. So what?
Post a Comment