Give President Obama an "A" for political daring in forcing the issue of "immigration reform"--by which is meant providing citizenship for 22 million illegal immigrants--and an "D-", so far, for helping our neighbor, Mexico.
The two causes are not necessarily in sync, and may actually work against each other. Mexico desperately needs help in combatting drug traffickers--and curbing sales in this country. It needs the United States to respect NAFTA by allowing approved Mexican trucks to ship here. It needs investment and other economic development assistance. It needs political reforms that will allow the private sector in Mexico to expand and boost long term economic growth. The goal in all of this is to help Mexico take care of its people. A prosperous, self-respecting Mexico is good for building a healthier relationship between our two countries.
So far, however, the Obama Administration has had a mixed record in respect to our Southern neighbor. Maybe when President Obama visits there in a few days that picture will improve.
However, Mr. Obama's prospective immigration bill does not seem to have much to do with helping Mexico and a lot to do with domestic U.S. politics. He obviously doesn't mind illegal immigration very much. He gives ample evidence for those who think his main aim in this field is adding new Democrats to the U.S. voting rolls.
Setting aside the politics, how is this new emphasis good for the United States right now? We are in a serious recession and a huge batch of immigrants to compete with current Americans for jobs is sure to spark bitter populist divisiveness. It was hard enough to argue for immigration when the economy was booming and when amnesty was set into the context of stronger border enforcement. The economy is worse now than a couple of years ago and the bill being proposed is sure to be less balanced than the one supported then by President Bush.
In addition, the current recession in Mexico is not just impelling poor people, but also the educated and skilled, to move North. That may be good for the U.S. economy in the long run, but not so good for Mexico. Such people are needed to help Mexico modernize. That nation cannot grow and prosper when the United States is the safety valve for poor economic policies and performance in the Mexican government and economy.
President Obama, of course, is busy moving the United States toward greater public sector development, so he probably doesn't have much sympathy for President Calderon of Mexico, who is trying to move his country toward freer markets.
These days, the new Administration's de facto message to Mexico seems to be: You have economic problems? Move here!
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