Post-9/11 Mexican Immigration in the United States

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

2006

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Latin American Studies | Latina/o Studies | Peace and Conflict Studies | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Advisor

Manju Parikh, Peace Studies

Abstract

Expectations were high for comprehensive immigration reform in the early months of George W. Bush’s presidency. In early September of 2001, Bush held a three-day State Visit with Mexican President Vicente Fox, which reflected their “special friendship and authentic partnership” (“Joint Statement” 1). This was the first State Visit between the Administrations and marked a high point in Mexico-US relations. During the three days of meetings, the two presidents discussed important issues such as NAFTA, the water supply, and, most importantly, immigration reform, which was described as “the most fruitful and frank dialogue we have ever had on a subject so important to both nations”(2). Immigrant advocates saw a potential for remarkable change in outdated immigration policy to a new system that was “safe, orderly, legal and dignified” and focused on “respecting the human dignity of all migrants, regardless of their status” (2). This new approach was perceived to be truly groundbreaking.

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