Mexico-United States Dialogue on Migration and Border Issues, 2001-2005

Publication Date: November 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Type:

Coverage: Mexico

Abstract:

This report, which will be updated periodically, focuses on the interactions between Mexico and the United States on migration and border issues during the administrations of President George W. Bush and President Vicente Fox of Mexico. The discussions and agreements fall into four areas: (1) the bilateral migration talks, (2) the Partnership for Prosperity, (3) the Border Partnership Agreement, and (4) the trilateral "Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) of North America."

The bilateral migration talks began in 2001 with Cabinet-level working groups seeking to reach agreement on border safety, a temporary worker program, and the status of undocumented Mexicans. The talks stalled, however, following the terrorist attacks upon the United States and increased concerns with border security. President Bush called for a temporary worker program in January 2004 and February 2005, and similar legislative proposals are pending. In May 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act of 2005, with provisions that strengthen border control and establish identity card standards for drivers' licenses. In late November 2005, President Bush called for a guest worker program in the context of enhanced border control, drawing upon congressionally approved appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security, while Mexico called for shared responsibility approaches.

The Partnership for Prosperity (P4P) was launched in September 2001 as a public-private alliance of Mexican and U.S. governmental and business leaders to promote economic development in Mexico, especially in areas with high migration rates. By the end of 2004, following various meetings, Secretary of State Powell noted that P4P programs had lowered fees for transferring funds from the United States to Mexico, brought together more than 1,400 business and government leaders, and developed innovative methods to finance infrastructure projects.

The Border Partnership ("Smart Border") Agreement was announced in March 2002, to enhance border security by utilizing technology to strengthen infrastructure while facilitating the transit of people and goods across the border. When Mexico's Secretary of Government Santiago Creel met with Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff in May 2005 they focused on the six new SENTRI lanes, eight new FAST lanes and the repatriation of Mexican nationals in the coming months.

The trilateral "Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) of North America" was launched on March 23, 2005, at a summit that President Bush hosted in Texas with President Fox and Prime Minister Martin, to advance the common security and the common prosperity of the countries through expanded cooperation and harmonization of immigration, border, and security policies. In late June 2005, U.S., Canadian, and Mexican officials released a Report to Leaders with initial results and proposed initiatives for future cooperation. Among the results the ministers highlighted were agreement to implement common methods of screening individuals and cargo, expansion of the SENTRI and FAST programs, common principles for electronic commerce, and harmonization of regulatory processes.