A fascinating piece in the NYT today about evolving Mexican views of a big ol’ security wall along the border with the U.S. Some see it as a boon to Mexico – specifically as a way to force Mexico’s government to implement real economic reforms, rather than using the U.S. as a safety valve for its own malfunctions. I’ve wondered why a country would pride itself onn the number of people who leave it; and I’m glad to see some Mexicans see the point as well. Money quote:
"It’s fantastic," said Primitivo Rodr√≠guez, an immigrant activist in Mexico, when asked about plans to build walls. "It’s the best thing that could happen for migrants, and for Mexico."
Mr. Rodr√≠guez, who has served as an adviser to the Mexican government and an organizer in the United States for the American Friends Service Committee, said the porous border had for years been an important safety valve of stability for Mexico’s economy, allowing elected officials to avoid creating jobs and even taking legal measures to stop the migration of an estimated 500,000 or more Mexicans a year.
Government reports indicate that the Mexican economy has created about one-tenth of the one million jobs it needs to accommodate that country’s growing labor force. Meanwhile, remittances from immigrants ‚Äî estimated last year at about $20 billion ‚Äî have grown larger than some state and municipal budgets.
The Wall: a way to force Mexico to reform, which in turn would reduce immigration pressures. I’m beginning to believe that constructing this barrier first might be the best way to tackle this problem. And I say that as an enthusiast for immigration.
The Dish 