by ridgel » Fri Apr 23, 2010 3:54 pm
A nation protecting itself and its citizens by enforcing Immigration laws (already on the books) against ILLEGAL intruders is "xenophobia that leads to wars?"
I agree with your sentiment, but I think John is right here. Whether you call the trend xenophobia or self-preservation, it is increasing. It was nearly impossible ten years ago to discuss limiting immigration, even illegal immigration, without being accused of racism. And people living outside of the South West didn't understand it at all. But now any article on illegal immigration in the newspaper gets hundreds of comments with at least a 5:1 ratio in favor of enforcement. That's a sea-change of opinion. And it was starting before the economy turned down, although the recession made it much stronger.
Mexico is in a world of hurt. Their three main export revenue sources, oil, remittances, and tourism are all way off. Because of the decline in their main Cantarell field, they may become oil importers in the next few years. Remittances are way off, I've seen estimates of 20-30% as Mexicans formerly employed in construction and hospitality are layed off. And tourism has been hurt by both the recession and the drug violence. Speaking of drug violence, that's just about the only viable industry left for the common Mexican at this point. And cities like Ciudad Juarez, just south of El Paso, are basically in open warfare at this point.
[i]A nation protecting itself and its citizens by enforcing Immigration laws (already on the books) against ILLEGAL intruders is "xenophobia that leads to wars?" [/i]
I agree with your sentiment, but I think John is right here. Whether you call the trend xenophobia or self-preservation, it is increasing. It was nearly impossible ten years ago to discuss limiting immigration, even illegal immigration, without being accused of racism. And people living outside of the South West didn't understand it at all. But now any article on illegal immigration in the newspaper gets hundreds of comments with at least a 5:1 ratio in favor of enforcement. That's a sea-change of opinion. And it was starting before the economy turned down, although the recession made it much stronger.
Mexico is in a world of hurt. Their three main export revenue sources, oil, remittances, and tourism are all way off. Because of the decline in their main Cantarell field, they may become oil importers in the next few years. Remittances are way off, I've seen estimates of 20-30% as Mexicans formerly employed in construction and hospitality are layed off. And tourism has been hurt by both the recession and the drug violence. Speaking of drug violence, that's just about the only viable industry left for the common Mexican at this point. And cities like Ciudad Juarez, just south of El Paso, are basically in open warfare at this point.