In February of 2001, the presidents of Mexico, Vicente  Fox, and of the United States, George W. Bush, instructed high level officials of their corresponding administrations, to consider, pursuant to the principle of a shared responsibility, the manner in which to establish a legal, safe, dignified and ordered migration of Mexican nationals to the United States, by recognizing the social origin of immigration and the necessities of the labor market in both countries.

During the first phase, significant bilateral consultations were undertaken based on an agenda designed to address this issue, through a comprehensive approach towards a substantive solution.  However, the search for an integral solution of the migration of Mexicans to the United States became more complicated after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

The government of Mexico, without loosing perspective of the significant impact that terrorism has on the global agenda, has pursued the necessity of finding solutions to the complex issue of migration of Mexicans to the United States. The migration issue has remained a priority for Mexico in the bilateral relation.

In the aftermath of September 11th, the government of Mexico considers that, in addition to the economic and social causes that trigger migratory flows, the establishment of a legal, safe, dignified and ordered migration is indispensable to strengthen the safety and security of both countries.

During the XX Binational Commission that took place in November of 2003, the governments of Mexico and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to move forward in the migration agenda with a comprehensive vision and with a gradual approach. The migration agenda constitutes the central part of the human component of the bilateral relation.

The migration proposal of President George Bush, announced on January 7th, 2004, constitutes an important step towards finding solutions to the migration issue.  President Bush’s proposal recognizes the economic value of the work of undocumented migrants, most of them of Mexican origin, to the U.S.  Furthermore, the proposal acknowledges the need of adopting new measures that prevent the violation of fundamental rights and abuses to these workers. This initiative has opened the possibility of the resumption of the debate regarding the immigration issue.

Mexico considers that the solutions that could be implemented to solve the different aspects of migration of Mexican nationals to the United States have to take into consideration key elements, such as the regularization of undocumented Mexicans, the extension of immigrant visas to facilitate family reunification, and an increase number of temporary worker visas with a structure that guarantees a comprehensive enforcement of fundamental rights of the workers and reestablishes the circularity.

Mexico does not wish to loose and important segment of its population and continues its efforts to promote economic development that would benefit its population.  However, the socio-economic factors that influence the migration of Mexican nationals will remain the same in the near future.  Therefore, both governments must work together to find real solutions to address this issue.

Promotion of the rights of Mexican nationals in the US

The Mexican government has not limited its efforts to the promotion of a migration reform as a means to improve the living conditions of Mexicans in the United States.  The government has also intensified the promotion and defense of the rights of Mexicans in the United States, regardless of their migration status, through its consulates and Embassy.

The Embassy of Mexico in Washington, DC is collaborating with the Department of Labor in the development of institutional programs for the promotion of labor rights, as well as the safety and health conditions in the workplace.

During 2003, both countries strengthened their collaboration for the distribution of informational materials regarding labor issues, in accordance with the Ministerial Declaration on Labor Rights for Migratory Workers (April 2002), the Joint Declaration of Ministerial Consultations (June 2002) and the Workshop for Cooperation in Labor Rights of Migratory Workers of North America within the framework of the Accord of Labor Cooperation of North America.

The network of Mexican consulates in the United States regularly consults and collaborates with authorities, communities and labor and human rights organizations, to provide relevant information to the workers.  In 2003, the Department of Labor, local governments, community organizations, and the Mexican consulates in Dallas and Denver, initiated the Justice and Equality in the Workplace Program to inform the migratory workers of their rights and responsibilities so that those who do not speak English could denounce any violation of US labor laws.  These efforts will continue to expand all over the country.