Organizations Commit US, Mexico to Migrant Understanding
- MONTEBELLO — The return of Donald Trump to the White House provided the backdrop for the first “Transnational Forum on Migration Policies.” Mexican leaders convened the forum and...
- members of the collective of Mexican Federations and Organizations migrants (Colefom) emphasized constructive dialog, urging both the U.S.
- What we want in this forum is to bring a constructive dialogue that promotes understanding, said a general coordinator of Colefom during the forum in Montebello.
Transnational Forum Addresses Migration Policies Amidst Evolving U.S.-Mexico Relations
MONTEBELLO — The return of Donald Trump to the White House provided the backdrop for the first “Transnational Forum on Migration Policies.” Mexican leaders convened the forum and shifted their strategy away from directly countering anti-immigrant policies originating from Washington.
members of the collective of Mexican Federations and Organizations migrants (Colefom) emphasized constructive dialog, urging both the U.S. and Mexican governments to seek understanding,prioritizing the protection of migrants given the close relationship between the two nations.
What we want in this forum is to bring a constructive dialogue that promotes understanding,
said a general coordinator of Colefom during the forum in Montebello. Representatives from organizations in California, Georgia, Texas, Illinois, and Arizona participated, along with Mexican state and federal legislators, as well as American elected officials.
According to the coordinator, racist rhetoric in the U.S. has reached worrying levels,
prompting the collective to highlight the contributions of the Mexican diaspora.
The activist pointed out that migrants annually send $65 billion to Mexico, while migrants with irregular status declare $120 billion annually to the IRS without receiving any benefits.
We are highlighting our contributions to level the land,
the coordinator added, emphasizing that migrants are part of the solution.
In pursuit of understanding, the forum also addressed the role of the Mexican federal government. Participants planned to travel to Mexico City on April 24 to present the concerns of migrant organization leaders to President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The first concern is immigration and how we are going to get to Mexico if we are deported; what can we receive and what would be the mechanisms,
said an executive director of the Council of Mexican Federations (COFEM) of Los Angeles and co-coordinator of Political Affairs of Colefom.
While each organization has its own agenda, the group is working to unify a common front. A state deputy for Sonora and former Mexican Exsul in los Angeles recognized this effort, considering it valuable given the unfriendly narrative against migrants.
I celebrate this type of meetings because they are precisely to look for options, alternatives, draw routes of how we can face this difficult moment; the first, I insist, it is very important to have that connection between all, to have that unit,
the deputy said.
During the forum, held on March 21, an academic stressed that Mexican migration to the U.S. has been ongoing for 100 years, representing a process of growing integration. Examples include the Bracero program (1941-1965), the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (TLC) in 1994, and the entry into force of the treaty between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada (T-MEC) in 2020, which replaced the FTA.
The professor said that in the last 50 years, Mexican immigration policy has been subordinated to the police approach
imposed by the U.S. He also argued that migrants and migration have been absent from the Mexican National Agenda, not considered in public policies or the national budget.
Soon that early they will have to discuss it seriously,
the academic said.
In the current situation, while Trump pressures Mexico with tariffs, the professor believes that if the Sheinbaum government supports Washington with controlling migratory flows, it presents a great possibility to negotiate with the United States a central alliance for regional immigration management.
Colefom leaders also propose that this collaboration could be key for Sheinbaum to negotiate immigration reform for Mexico, one of the issues they plan to present to the Mexican president in the upcoming forum.
As these proposals are developed, the undocumented population remains alarmed by the submission of anti-immigrant policies, part of Trump’s campaign to carry out mass deportations.
It will not achieve it, there are no resources to get 11 million people; what it has done is to cause terror in the Hispanic community,
said a former secretary of the U.S. Treasury during the management of George W. Bush, who was invited to the forum organized by Colefom.
The former official said that the United States is still a contry of order and laws.
There are more than 100 demands against these executive orders (signed by Trump). I trust that many of these executive orders are arrested and that Latinos, specifically Mexicans, can count on lawyers who teach them what their rights are,
the former secretary added.
Colefom includes about 100 organizations.
Transnational Forum on Migration: Addressing Policies and U.S.-Mexico Relations
Q&A: Key Insights from the Transnational Forum on Migration Policies
This article provides answers to common questions about the Transnational Forum on Migration Policies, its objectives, and its implications for U.S.-Mexico relations.
What was the Transnational Forum on Migration Policies?
The Transnational Forum on Migration Policies was a gathering of Mexican leaders, organizations, and officials held in Montebello. The forum served as a platform to address migration policies, particularly those impacted by the return of Donald Trump to the White House.
What Were the Main Objectives of the forum?
The primary goals of the forum included:
- Promoting constructive dialog between the U.S. and Mexican governments.
- Prioritizing the protection of migrants.
- Highlighting the contributions of the Mexican diaspora.
- Seeking understanding amid evolving U.S.-Mexico relations.
Who Participated in the Forum?
The forum included representatives from various groups:
- Mexican Federations and Organizations of migrants (Colefom)
- Organizations from California, Georgia, Texas, illinois, and Arizona
- Mexican state and federal legislators
- american elected officials
how Did the Forum address Concerns About Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric?
Given the increase in what was described as “racist rhetoric” in the U.S., the forum aimed to:
- Bring a constructive dialogue that promotes understanding
- Highlight the positive contributions of mexican immigrants
What Financial Contributions Did Migrants Make?
The forum highlighted the critically important financial contributions of migrants, including:
- $65 billion sent annually by migrants to mexico.
- $120 billion declared annually to the IRS by migrants with irregular status, without receiving benefits.
What Role does Colefom Play?
Colefom, a collective of Mexican Federations and Organizations of migrants, organized the forum. It aims to unify a common front and advocate for the rights and contributions of migrants.
What were the future steps planned by the forum?
Participants intended to travel to Mexico City on April 24 to address concerns with President Claudia Sheinbaum. Key focus areas included:
- Immigration processes and potential issues upon deportation.
- Mechanisms for support and assistance for returning migrants.
What is the Ancient context of mexican Migration to the U.S.?
Mexican migration to the U.S. has been ongoing for approximately 100 years with examples including:
- The Bracero program (1941-1965)
- the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (TLC) in 1994
- The entry into force of the treaty between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada (T-MEC) in 2020, which replaced the FTA
What are the potential implications of current immigration policies, especially during Trump’s second term?
Concerns raised in the forum included the impact of anti-immigrant policies, mass deportations, and associated fear within the Hispanic community.
What is the Role of the Mexican Government in Addressing Immigration?
According to the an academic during the forum, Mexican immigration policy has been “subordinated to the police approach” imposed by the U.S. The forum aims for the Mexican government to prioritize migration within its national agenda and public policies.
Key Takeaways and Future Outlook
The Transnational forum on Migration Policies represents a proactive effort by Mexican leaders and migrant organizations to navigate evolving U.S.-Mexico relations. By emphasizing dialogue, highlighting contributions, and advocating for migrant rights, the forum aims to shape more understanding and protective immigration policies.
Here is a summary of the forum and it’s impact:
| Key Issue Addressed | Forum’s Response | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric | Highlighting contributions of Mexican diaspora; promoting understanding on immigration | Colefom, Mexican, and US legislators, and elected officials |
| Financial Contributions of Migrants | Emphasizing financial input to Mexico | Financial experts |
| Migration policies | Dialogue between US & Mexican leaders, migration reform by Sheinbaum | Colefom, and Mexican leaders |