SENATE MEMORIAL 31

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Rod Adair

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE FAILURE OF THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT TO COOPERATE WITH THE UNITED STATES IN ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND INSISTING THAT MEXICAN PRESIDENT VICENTE FOX AND MEXICAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TAKE IMMEDIATE, MEANINGFUL AND COMPREHENSIVE ACTION TO STOP THE RAPIDLY INCREASING FLOW OF MIGRANTS ILLEGALLY CROSSING NEW MEXICO'S SOUTHERN BORDER.

     WHEREAS, the United States' war on terror extends not only to Iraq and Afghanistan but to America's critical southern borders where terrorists may try to enter this country by illegal means; and

     WHEREAS, the actions of the government of President Vicente Fox toward illegal immigration, drug trafficking and border security have undermined the efforts of the United States to protect its national security and the integrity of its southern border; and

     WHEREAS, the number of migrants who willfully violate United States immigration laws by illegally crossing New Mexico's southern border with Mexico has risen dramatically in recent years, has been encouraged by the policies of Mexico's government and poses a serious threat to New Mexicans and the American people; and

     WHEREAS, corruption in Mexico's military and police forces by drug traffickers runs deep, and President Vicente Fox's attempts to date to address corruption problems in Mexico's security forces have been ineffective; and

     WHEREAS, the United States continues to pursue aggressive strategies to stop illegal immigration; however, America's national security remains in serious jeopardy without the responsible cooperation of the Mexican government to stem the flow of hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants into the United States; and

     WHEREAS, events in recent weeks, including evidence of alleged incursions by the Mexican military into the United States and Mexico's plan to distribute maps to migrants crossing the United States border illegally, continue to demonstrate the unwillingness of President Vicente Fox to address the problem of illegal immigration; and

     WHEREAS, it is vital that President Vicente Fox make a stronger effort to take immediate, comprehensive and meaningful action to address the rampant corruption within Mexico's military and police forces that patrol Mexico's northern border; and 

     WHEREAS, President Vicente Fox also must support legislative reforms that will produce incentives for Mexican workers to stay in Mexico, including enacting a minimum wage for Mexicans and reforming labor conditions in Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, to demonstrate his commitment to regional cooperation and protecting the security of United States citizens in Mexico, President Vicente Fox must also ensure that Americans in Mexico will be afforded the same constitutional protections that Mexican citizens are given in this country;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the Mexican government has failed to cooperate with the United States in addressing the problem of illegal immigration and that President Vicente Fox and Mexican government officials be requested take immediate, meaningful and comprehensive action to stop the rapidly increasing flow of migrants who are illegally crossing New Mexico's southern border into the United States; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that President Vicente Fox's comprehensive approach to addressing the illegal immigration problem include attacking corruption in Mexico's security forces; taking aggressive measures against drug traffickers in Mexico; enacting a minimum wage; reforming labor conditions in Mexico; passing a constitutional bill of rights that is similar to the United States constitution and that protects American citizens in Mexico; securing Mexico's southern border; and cooperating with the United States government in protecting America's southern border with Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the failure of President Vicente Fox to take the actions outlined in this memorial will evidence his refusal to respect the laws, security and sovereignty of the United States, and that the House of Representatives will request that the United States government impose economic sanctions against Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to Mexican President Vicente Fox, the president of the United States, New Mexico's congressional delegation and the governor of New Mexico.

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