Posted on 12/11/2006 12:25:34 PM PST by WatchingInAmazement
Juan de Jesus, an American-born expert in English as a second language, lives in Arlington but typically spends more time working in Mexico than he does here.
He also holds degrees from U.S. and Mexican universities, so he's become sort of neither here nor there in terms of his identity and his attitudes toward a hot topic in both countries: immigration.
"I find most commentaries on immigration reform and the man-on-the-street suggestions comical," de Jesus says. "I certainly do not know the solution, but I can share my experiences as a foreign worker in Mexico, and I think you'll get my point that if the U.S. government really wanted to control immigration, it easily could. Mexico, without sophisticated computerized databases, virtually controlled every aspect of my life there, from the most simple to the most bizarre."
Working as a U.S. citizen, de Jesus has taught English in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Hidalgo, Veracruz and Puebla as well as Mexico City, so his experience is substantial. Though it's something of a simplification, the crucial element he sees that Mexico has -- as far as foreign workers are concerned -- that this country lacks is simply this: a work visa that means something.
Some samples from de Jesus' experience in Mexico:
I need to open a bank account. "Your work visa, please."
I'd like to get a credit card. "Your work visa, please."
The telephone company won't cooperate in giving me a line. I'll just get a cellphone. "Your work visa, please."
I'd like to get cable Internet at my house. "Sorry, since you are a foreigner, we can only accept your work visa as ID to guarantee the converter box. A driver's license or utility bill in your name is only good for Mexicans to use."
I need a driver's license. "Your work visa, please."
I'd like to buy a new car. "Your work visa, please."
I don't have a work visa; can't I just work under the table for you? "If the Mexican Social Security Administration discovers it, the company will be fined $6,000 for each instance and the entire company can be closed down for a month as a punishment for continued infractions."
"The secretary of labor seals the doors and there's another fine for breaking the seal, and even longer work stoppage if there are repeat instances," de Jesus says. "Mexican federal labor law also requires offering all jobs to Mexicans first. I can only apply for a work visa if I can certify that no Mexican wants or is qualified for the job."
De Jesus is not suggesting that the U.S. can solve its immigration problems simply by requiring a verifiable work permit to be submitted for access to virtually any service -- but it's a thought.
"There are not millions of Americans trying to work in Mexico, but I still marvel at how comprehensive the control was in Mexico," he says. "I don't know what the solution is, but I feel if it is not comprehensive it won't work."
For a foreigner, he says, "The work visa is the only official document for identification for work and virtually anything else in life. Why wouldn't this work in the U.S.?"
De Jesus isn't sure it wouldn't, but he does see problems.
"In Mexico, despite the problems of corruption, 'no' means 'no,'" he said "In the U.S., 'no' means 'maybe.'
"As a foreigner in Mexico, when I began to whine, I usually just got a 'What don't you understand about no,' and a look like the ones your mother gave you which clearly told me, 'Do you think in my minimum-wage job I really care about your horrible plight as a foreigner?'
"Basically they're saying that if I don't like the rules, go home: 'You don't make the rules and neither do I, my bosses do, and they really don't care if you have to stand in a line, pay each year for your visa, use a lawyer to help you get it or whatever you're whining about today. By the way, why is it that your country with all of its sophistication can't control illegal immigration? You Americans, who can figure you out?'"
Who indeed? What does seem clear is that the powers that be should avail themselves of some useful insights from people like de Jesus who can see the big picture from both sides of the border. And look at what already works with considerable efficiency in other countries.
"They'e miles ahead of ours on immigration!"
We knew Mexico had a far stricter system. In this country, it's a matter of *want to* and they've made it quite clear......they don't want to!
lol, or so it would appear. Of course if our country really wanted illegal immigration stopped, it would be. Amazing isn't it, that the focus is on how, rather than on simply why it's not being done? Why cheap labor has taken precidence over our winning the WOT?
http://www.stopthenorthamericanunion.com/videos/money_masters1.html#start
You are correct again, ma'am. I just wish the open border minority would admit it instead of playing their holier than thou "what makes you think I don't want the borders secure?" card.
There is a difference between border security and what happens inside the US. If I ran a business I wouldn't want to work for the INS, I'd do business with whoever the hell I want.
Build the damn wall, border security belongs on the damn border.
Yes, there is a difference between border security and what happens inside the US. The lines are often blurred.
Regarding issue of visas for workers, what do you think? We have millions of foreigners here with work visas, should they have to show them or not? Or are you advocating a, come one, come all free for all?
They should have to show them to the government, not everytime they make a purchase.
Some truth to what the De Jesus is saying. But many times a passport will get a bank account, and those legal documents you get at the bank....legal tender can easily turn the NO...into a yes.
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