Our Southern Cousins

OUR SOUTHERN COUSINS

Lately, I have been frequently drawn back to thoughts about our Mexican cousins to the south.  I am somewhat distraught over the thought that we (North Americans) may be getting it only half right.

Why are we trying to put the proverbial cat back in the bag with just a "build a bigger wall" (with aggressive deportation) policy towards Mexico?  As Minnesotans, we should have no ax to grind with Mexico.  We get along with Canada, Wisconsin and even Iowa well enough.  Of course, the reactionary response to this argument will be that our local, North American neighbors are different.  They are not, many might argue, “exporting low-wage, un-educated families trying to steal our jobs and welfare.” 

Yet, this isolationist-based response can form the foundation for a better policy towards Mexico.  The reason we have only a joke-based competition with Iowa is that Iowa has a successful and diversified economy. Their comparable success creates a porous border that allows an easy exchange of goods, services and people.

The Mexican economy, while growing, continues to leave many families struggling to get by.  Income and opportunity disparities, no matter where they occur, make people wonder if the grass isn’t greener ‘on the other side’.   Mexicans generally leave their Country for the same reason most people have migrated to Minnesota -- in search of a better life for their families.  If more Mexicans had the hope of a better life in Mexico, would they put as much at risk by attempting to eke out a life in a foreign county?  I think not.

The recent amnesty action by President Obama, like the build a bigger wall policy before it, only provides a temporary band-aide.  Instead, we must think long-term and consider ways to strengthen Mexico’s already impressive successes.

Our immigration system will remain broken so long as we think we can "fix" Mexico by making it harder for their citizens to come here legally.  Why are we building a wall without gates for workers, while at the same time encouraging the open exchange of goods and services?  I for one want a process that provides a respectful and controlled entrance for goods, services and people.  Soon, we will be inviting workers to our State to backfill the gap left by the retiring boomers.  The sooner we plan for this need, the better we will be. It is for this reason that the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders have been calling for immigration reform for years.

The Mexican economy already ranks as one of Latin Americas strongest economies.  One futurist even predicts that Mexico will one day be one of the major economic powers in the world.  Why would we harbor hostility towards a democratic country with a population that exceeds most European nations? An increasingly industrialized Mexico together with a stronger, more accessible middle-class would certainly boost our economy by providing increased demand for our goods and services.

I hope that our state and national leaders can move beyond the easy rhetoric and develop a coherent and long term plan to support Mexico’s growth.  In the meantime, I hope our own local communities will continue to move beyond the talking points and welcome all who want to pursue their version of the American Dream --including our cousins from Canada, Mexico and yes -- even Iowa.

Matt Benda.

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