June 12, 2007

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

In my last newsletter, I noted that the debate on immigration reform in the United States would be difficult, and often times, contentious. Now, several weeks in, the debate has proved to be just that. Despite several setbacks last week in the legislative process, President Bush’s commitment to comprehensive immigration reform remains as strong as ever. Today, he met with Republican Senate leaders on Capitol Hill to encourage them to take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity for reform of an immigration system in desperate need of improvement.

On Monday, President Bush reiterated his confidence in the current legislation under consideration by Congress. He said: “It's important that we address this issue now. And I believe we can get it done. A lot of progress was made between people in both parties making hard decisions necessary to move a comprehensive plan. It's in the nation's interest to get a comprehensive bill done.”

Click here to read President Bush’s remarks today after meeting leaders on Capitol Hill

Tomorrow, I will travel to Queretaro to induct into the Peace Corps a group of American volunteers who will be working hand-in-hand with their Mexican counterparts to aid in several development projects in Mexico. Under a program announced one year ago, American Peace Corps volunteers and Mexico’s Secretariat of the Environment will provide technical expertise to communities as they address the most pressing environmental, educational, and economic issues.

While in Queretaro, I also will announce five new partnerships between U.S. and Mexican universities as part of our Training, Internships, Exchanges and Scholarships (TIES) program. These partnerships will draw on expertise on both sides of the border to address mutual development issues.

Click here to read more on the Peace Corps and TIES programs in Mexico

Last week, I attended the 46th Annual Inter-Parliamentary Group held in Austin, Texas. This year’s conference was focused on the themes of economic competitiveness, immigration, and security and law enforcement. Mexican and American legislators demonstrated their eagerness to broaden cooperation. The panel endorsed a proposal to establish a task force designed to promote economic competitiveness along the border. Legislators also resolved to look closely at ways Mexico and the U.S. can expand cooperation in combating counter-narcotics cooperation.

Following on President Bush’s March visit, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales met again last week with his Mexican and Central American counterparts to discuss issues of mutual concern. This week, representatives from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms are in Mexico City meeting with Mexican officials to continue coordinating our strategies to reduce arms entering Mexico from the United States. The United States is concerned about the illicit gun trade that has contributed to violence in Mexico, and we are committed to working with the Government of Mexico to combat arms trafficking.

As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, on April 20th, I celebrated Earth Day by announcing a joint initiative to bring two endangered California Condors to the Chapultepec Zoo. On June 4, on the eve of World Environment Day, I had the pleasure of welcoming the condors to their new home in Mexico City. This successful partnership highlights the vital role that US-Mexico cooperation can play in addressing the important environmental issues that face our nations.

Click here to read more on the arrival of the condors

Click here to read Ambassador Garza’s recent editorial on World Environment Day

On May 30th, I had the opportunity to visit four Huichol communities in the Sierra de Jalisco and witness another example of how bilateral partnerships can create positive change in the lives of our citizens. Among those inspiring the next generation in Jalisco are two teachers at indigenous schools who are benefiting from their experiences studying at U.S. colleges as part of the Training, Internships, Exchanges and Scholarships (TIES) program.

Click here to read more on the visit to Jalisco

Finally, on May 28th, Memorial Day in the United States, I took time, along with fellow Americans, Mexican officials, and diplomats from around the world, to reflect on the memory of those who have given their lives for the good of our nation. At a ceremony in the U.S. Cemetery here in Mexico City, we mourned the loss of brave men and women, and we also drew inspiration from their dedication to democracy and to freedom.

Their sacrifice reminds us that, while the democratic process is not always easy, we must always strive to meet the ideals of democracy. It reminds us that sometimes we must make difficult choices to preserve the freedom of men, women, and children in our own countries and around the world. And it reminds us of our responsibility of creating a more peaceful and democratic world for future generations.

Click here to read more about the Memorial Day commemoration

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to share with you information about the important bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States. May God bless both our great nations.

Sincerely,

Antonio O. Garza, Jr.

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