Semi-News: Life in U.S. Tough on Mexicans' Health

AZCONSERVATIVE ^ | 9 March 2006 | John Semmens

[John Semmens]

Millions of Mexicans illegally enter America looking for jobs and educations, but remaining here seems to be bad for their health. The longer Latino immigrants are here, the more likely they are to become obese and to develop diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. The children of these immigrants have even higher rates of those illnesses, a new government report shows.

The INS says it plans to feature these findings in their new campaign to discourage illegal entry. Juan Tonamayo, INS Under Deputy for Communications, said the agency will be placing ads in Mexican media, including Spanish language signage along the border employing the slogan: "Come to America, get fat and die."

"We feel that by emphasizing the downside of U.S. economic prosperity we may be able to deter some of the illegal entrants from making the trip," said Tonamayo.

The INS has already placed ads in U.S. newspapers seeking grotesquely obese Latinos to pose for the photos that will be part of the ad campaign. "The sicker they look, the better," said Tonamayo. "We'll give added bonuses to obese diabetics that have suffered amputations."

Tonamayo says reducing the attraction of coming will be more effective than stepped-up enforcement. "Our enforcement efforts are not credible," said Tonamayo. "Few illegals are caught. Fewer are deported. We need to scare would-be illegals by letting them know that while they may elude the Border Patrol, the rich life will take its insidious toll on them and their children."

[Pelham]

The longer Latino immigrants are here, the more likely they are to become obese and to develop diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

This has happened to a number of my Mexican-American friends. 1st and 2nd generation in the States. Adult onset diabetes especially.

[Serenissima Venezia]

I'm sure there will be a mass exodus back to Mexico once this advertising campaign starts.