Mexico makes huge mistake with booklet on how to illegally cross border

[SteveStromberg]

Yet there's no other way to explain a how-to comic book that the Mexican government is passing out. Called the Guide for the Mexican Migrant, its stated purpose is to give would-be undocumented immigrants "some practical advice."

The book offers no information on applying for a U.S. visa. But it does offer tips on what to wear for a clandestine crossing and how to find one's way through the desert.

With this book, Mexican President Vicente Fox has unwittingly produced a powerful tool to undermine efforts by President Bush and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., to win congressional support for a guest-worker program.

Mexico's booklet on how to sneak into the United States will be distributed free south of the border. Around the Potomac, it will be priceless to those opposed to a guest-worker program because it raises serious doubts about whether Mexico will ever help curb illegal migration - even if the United States creates a legal mechanism for large numbers of workers to obtain temporary work visas.


http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0105wed1-05.html

[mattdavis11]

One more good reason to vacate my deer lease outside of Del Rio, Texas. Opening morning we had 3 illegals walking through our pasture. I'm not sure if they got caught, but we did confront them with loaded weapons in hand, and made a call to the authorities. One year they tried to hot wire my truck that I keep there. It pisses me off when stuff always turns up missing, ie. portable heaters, flash lights, batteries, radios, drinks.... it never ends either.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

This kind of ***** is why laws like the 2004 AZ Proposition 200 get passed.

US citizens are fed up with the Fed slacking off and not doing its duty.

[widebody911]

Despite the official hand-wringing about illegal immigration, politicians need it to continue, because their business constituents want it - they depend on the steady flow of cheap, disposable labor to keep profits up.

[SteveStromberg]

[SteveStromberg]

[speeder]

Originally posted by widebody911
Despite the official hand-wringing about illegal immigration, politicians need it to continue, because their business constituents want it - they depend on the steady flow of cheap, disposable labor to keep profits up.

That's right, another wonderful example of almost incredibly short-term thinking on behalf of the corporate world and their blind/deaf/dumb friends in government. Right up there w/ an energy policy that has housewifes across the U.S. driving Suburbans around all day. Same kind of "there's no tomorrow/make $$ and burn it today" mentality.

[legion]

If there wasn't demand for their labor, they wouldn't come. I've taken years making up my mind on this issue. I think the best thing to do is pass a law that makes minimum wage only applicable to U.S. citizens, and allow these people in legally on special work visas.

Hopefully this would solve problems with theft and such on the border. I don't think we can really completely close our border with Mexico, and the more aggressive we enforce, the more aggressive those people who run illegals into this country will become. I could see this escalating to be as violent as the drug trade. No politician wants to admit it either, but our economy depends heavily on this cheap underground labor.

[SteveStromberg]

Migration pamphlet draws fire in U.S.



MEXICO CITY - The Mexican Foreign Ministry on Tuesday defended a government pamphlet that offers advice to migrants illegally crossing the border into the United States, saying it was trying to help save lives without encouraging people to break the law.


"Last year, more than 300 Mexicans died on the border," Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Geronimo Gutierrez told the Houston Chronicle. "Our government has a commitment to defend the lives of its citizens."

In 32 pages of text and comic-book-style illustrations, the paperback, Guide for the Mexican Migrant, gives pointers on navigating deserts and swimming rivers safely.

"Crossing the river can be very dangerous, particularly if you are alone or do it at night," says an English translation of wording next to an illustration of three young men setting out from a river bank. "If you wear heavy clothes, they will become heavier when wet and this will make it more difficult for you to swim."


'A wink and a nod'
George Grayson, a Mexico expert at the College of William and Mary, said the guide sends a message that the Mexican government endorses illegal immigration.

"It is a wink and a nod to illegal immigrants," Grayson said. "How would they feel if the Guatemalans published a guide on how to get into Mexico?"

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/2978207

[SteveStromberg]

Education and immigration

Failed policy results in failing grades for California schools.
A Rand Corp. study showing how far California schools have slipped down the national ladder in recent years was reported Monday, about the same time as the news that Mexican authorities are distributing more than a million copies of a booklet showing illegal migrants how to safely cross the border.

Is there a connection? Of course there is.

The Mexican government, which seems far more interested in protecting the corrupt and powerful than making life better for Mexico's working poor, clearly views the border as a pressure release valve. This how-to book makes it obvious. The poor are far less likely to revolt against an ineffectual and corrupt government when salvation, ostensibly, lies just to the not-so-distant north.

http://www.presstelegram.com/Stories/0%2C1413%2C204~21479~2634419%2C00.html

[das908kind]

Originally posted by widebody911
Despite the official hand-wringing about illegal immigration, politicians need it to continue, because their business constituents want it - they depend on the steady flow of cheap, disposable labor to keep profits up.

Yeah. no kidding.

Being a Canadian, who's followed all the rules, spent thousands of dollars on legal fees and immigration fees to get a VISA, only to have to do the same ring-around every few years when my VISA "expires", the new laws allowing illegals to stay, frustrates the hell out of me.

Talk about double standard.

ME:
"Yes, I'd like to immigrate and become American, because the industry I work in is monopolized by your country."

INS:
"Ok, sir. Are you rich or own a business? Do you bring investment dollar to the states?"

ME:
"No."

INS:
"Are you white, resonably educated, and speak 3 languages? Are you able to remain employed and find work on your own? Do you have enough experience in your field to get hired?"

ME:
"Yes"

INS:
"Do you pick berries, park cars, wash dishes, cut grass or assemble cars?"

ME:
"No."

INS:
"Sorry. You're **** out of luck."

PS - Any americans who have opinions on immigrating to this country, let me hear about it. I'd be curious to hear what you have to say. Do Americans REALLY consider Canadians/ Europeans/Asians etc a threat to their jobs?

[concentric]

Originally posted by das908kind

PS - Any americans who have opinions on immigrating to this country, let me hear about it. I'd be curious to hear what you have to say. Do Americans REALLY consider Canadians/ Europeans/Asians etc a threat to their jobs?

Totally...
I killed 6 Canadians that were trying to take my job at Jack in the Box today.

JCM

P.S. The answer is no

[legion]

I would say that our politicians like to play up rhetoric about job insecurity more than we fear it. Losing technical competency and the ability to innovate are far bigger threats.

[Mike(dat's me)]

Hey! Print that in English so we will all know how to escape to Mexico!

We may need it someday...

[SteveStromberg]

Conservative groups in the United States have been outraged by an illustrated handbook issued by Mexican authorities that gives migrants tips on how to cross America's southern border illegally.

The books, denounced by some as "how-to manuals", urge would-be immigrants to carry enough water, follow railway lines and wear clothing that will protect them from the elements. To those planning to brave the Rio Grande, the government-sponsored guide advises: "Crossing a river can be very risky, especially if you cross alone and at night. Heavy clothing becomes heavier when wet and this makes swimming or floating difficult."

Migrants are told: "If you get lost, guide yourself with light posts, train tracks or dirt roads," and warned to avoid smugglers known as "coyotes". Immigrants are also told not to resist arrest by Border Patrol officers.

About 400 immigrants died along the border in 2002, a 10 per cent increase on 2001, and in the past two years 125 people have died in the Arizona desert.

Mexican officials said the 32-page booklet informs those who have already decided to cross on how to avoid injury and death. But the handbook's publication has unleashed a torrent of condemnation from activists already concerned at the porous nature of the border. "It's an encouragement that will lead to more illegal aliens coming," said Rick Oltman, a spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, adding that there will be "more tragic deaths".

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=598423

[bryanthompson]

best thing to do is pass a law that makes minimum wage only applicable to U.S. citizens, and allow these people in legally on special work visas

I think that's waaay off. A town 7 miles away from here has a Tyson plant, and they pay $13.50 minimum, with bennies. They employ so many illegals, it's amazing. These people are _not_ working for minimum wage.

It's a total scam. Somehow they know ahead of time when the INS is going to be coming through. That day, about 1/3 of the staff mysteriously doesn't show up for work. I don't know how they can get away with it, but it p!isses me off. They're not taking any job from me or anyone I know, but the fact that they're breaking the law and putting legitimate citizens at risk is enough to deport every damn one of them.

[das908kind]

....but the fact that they're breaking the law and putting legitimate citizens at risk is enough to deport every damn one of them. [/B]

I agree, but at the same time, I must say that we must also condem both the authorities that are allowing this type of activity to slip through the cracks (for economic reasons) as well as the businesses that are breaking the law for financial gain. Everyone, particularly the "migrants", only does what they have to in order to survive.

[SteveStromberg]

JANUARY 6, 2005 - Every flip of the page is a virtual "Dummies Guide" for Mexican immigrants to break U.S. immigration laws.

The illustrated guide book on how to illegally cross the border safely, comes free with comic books, courtesy the Mexican government.

"The comic book is trouble."

For more than a decade Walt Miller's had to live with this.

"On a nightly basis we probably have 25 illegals that come through here."

It's Lake Texano in Hidalgo. Home to mostly winter Texans, the community is nestled less than a quarter mile from the border.

"I've learned to live with it... but a lot of people see something like that... and they want to get out of here."

Walt believes this guide encourages illegal migration with tips on everything from how to beat the heat to beating border patrol.

"It goes back to your Mafia days... we're going to teach these guys how to be gangsters."

But the book is looked at in a whole different light here at the Mexican Consulate in McAllen. In fact, people here say, for some, the book is actually a deterrent.

"We have deaths not only on the river but also hypothermia."

Arturo Salgado works at the consulate and says the proof is in the pages ... pictures of a sizzling sun and smugglers enough to change many would-be migrant's minds.

"It is intended to those who have already made up there minds to come across the border," said Salgado.

Their journey? A chance to gain employment opportunities not available in Mexico. Salgado calls it simply a survival guide to help save lives. But Walt's not buying into that theory.

Not because he's not all for sharing the American dream. It's just he wants it to be done by the book and not this book.



http://www.team4news.com/Global/story.asp?S=2777781&nav=0w0vUvoU

[SteveStromberg]

Translation of Mexican Invasion Handbook

GUIDE FOR THE MEXICAN MIGRANT

Translation into English from Spanish provided by INFOMUNDO.US as a public service.

Original document GUIA DEL MIGRANTE MEXICANO, accessible on the website

http://www.sre.gob.mx/tramites/consulares/guiamigrante/default.htm

FIRST PAGE

Audio (Windows Media)
Track 1: Mexican Consulates
Track 2: Services of Mexican Consulates
Track 3: Rights of Migrants
INTRODUCTION, PAGES 0 - 1

Dear fellow citizen:

This guide tries to provide you with some practical advice that may be useful to you in case you have made the difficult decision to seek new work opportunities outside of your own country.

The safe way of entering another country is by first obtaining your passport, which is issued by the Delegations of the Secretariat of Foreign Relations, and your visa, which you request at the Embassy or Consulate of the country to where you wish to travel.

However, we actually see many cases of Mexicans who try to cross the northern border without the necessary documentation, crossing high-risk zones that are very dangerous, especially in desert areas or rivers with strong and not always noticeable currents.

INTRODUCTION, PAGES 2 - 3

As you read this guide you can also learn some basic questions about legal consequences of your stay in the United States of America without appropriate immigration documents, as well as the rights you have in that country once you are there, independently of your immigration status.

Always keep in mind that there are mechanisms for you to enter the United States of America legally.

In any case, if you encounter problems or difficulties, remember that Mexico has 45 Consulates at its disposal in that country, whose contact information you also can find in this publication.

Identify your Consulate and go to it.

RISKS, PAGES 4 - 5

DANGERS OF CROSSING IN HIGH-RISK ZONES

Crossing the river can be very risky, especially if you cross alone and at night..

Thick clothing increases your weight when wet and makes it hard to swim or float.

RISKS, PAGES 6 - 7

If you cross in the desert, try to travel when the heat is not so intense.

Highways and towns are very far apart, so that it could take you several days to find roads and you will not be able to carry food or water for that long; you could even get lost.

Salted water helps you retain body fluids. Although you get more thirsty, if you drink salted water the risk of dehydration is lessened.

Dehydration symptoms are:

? Little or no perspiration

? Dryness of eyes and mouth

? Headache

? Fatigue and exhaustion

? Difficulty in walking and reasoning

? Hallucinations and mirages

If you get lost follow utility poles, railroad tracks or furrows.

BE CAREFUL OF ALIEN SMUGGLERS, PAGES 8 - 09

BE CAREFUL OF "POLLEROS", "COYOTES" OR "PATEROS" [Various names for alien smugglers)

They can deceive you by assuring you they'll cross you [smuggle you across the border] at certain times over mountains or through deserts. This is not true! They can put your life in danger leading you through rivers, irrigation canals, desert areas, along railroad tracks or freeways. This has caused the death of hundreds of people.

If you decide to use the services of "polleros", "coyotes" or "pateros" to cross the border, consider the following precautions to take:

Don't let him out of your sight; remember that he's the only one that knows the terrain and therefore is the one that can get you out.

Do not trust anyone who offers to cross you over to the "other side" and asks you to drive a vehicle or carry a package for him. Regularly those...

BE CAREFUL OF ALIEN SMUGGLERS, PAGES 10 - 11

...packages contain drugs or other prohibited substances. For that reason many people have ended up in jail.

If you transport other people you can be confused with an alien smuggler and be accused of alien smuggling yourself or even vehicle theft.

Don't hand over your minor children to strangers that offer to cross them to the United States.

DO NOT USE FALSE DOCUMENTS, PAGES 12 - 13

DO NOT USE FALSE DOCUMENTS OR DOCUMENTS OF OTHER PEOPLE, NOR DECLARE A FALSE NATIONALITY

If you try to cross with documents that are false or that belong to someone else, keep the following in mind:

The use of documents that are false or that belong to someone else is a Federal crime in the United States, for which you can be criminally prosecuted and end up in jail; the same as if you give a false name or say you are a U.S. citizen when you are not.

Do not lie to U.S. border crossing or inspection booth agents.

[SteveStromberg]

IF YOU ARE DETAINED, PAGES 14 - 15

Do not resist arrest.

Do not assault or insult the officer.

Do not throw stones or other objects at the officers nor at the patrol cars, because this is considered a form of provocation.

If the officers feel they've been assaulted they will probably use force to detain you.

Raise your hands slowly for them to see you're unarmed.

Do not carry or hold any objects that could be construed as weapons, such as: lanterns, screwdrivers, blades, knives or stones.

IF YOU ARE DETAINED, PAGE 16 / YOUR RIGHTS, PAGE 17

IF YOU ARE DETAINED

Don't run or try to escape.

Don't hide in dangerous places.

Don't cross freeways.

It's better for you to be detained for a few hours and be repatriated to Mexico than to get lost in the desert.

YOUR RIGHTS

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED, YOU HAVE RIGHTS!

Give your true name.

If you are a minor and are accompanied by an adult, tell the authorities so they do not separate you.

YOUR RIGHTS / YOUR RIGHTS, PAGES 18 - 19

Your rights are:

To know where you are.

To request to speak to the nearest Mexican Consulate representative in order to receive help.

Do not make statements or sign documents, especially if they are in English, without the aid of a defense attorney or Mexican Government Consulate representative.

To receive medical attention if you are injured or in poor health.

To receive respectful treatment regardless of your immigration status.

To be transported safely.

To have water and food when you need it.

You are not obligated to disclose your immigration status when you are detained.

YOUR RIGHTS, PAGES 20 - 21

To not be hit or insulted.

To not be held incommunicado.

In case they take away your personal effects, request a voucher in order to claim them when you are released.

If there is any violation of these rights, it's important for you to inform your attorney or Mexican Consulate representative that visits you or even the nearest Delegation of the Secretariat of Foreign Relations within Mexico.

If you wish more information and you live in Texas or in Ciudad Acuņa, Coahuila, tune in to "The Powerful Station" at AM 1570.

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED / DETAINED, PAGES 22 - 23

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED / DETAINED

If you already were sentenced for some crime or you are facing criminal prosecution an a jail, you have the following rights:

To not be discriminated against by the police, the courts or prison authorities.

To receive visits from consular officials and family members.

To receive appropriate legal counsel without conditions or obstructions.

If you being criminally prosecuted and have not yet been sentenced, ask your attorney or consular representative what the "Plea Agreement" consists of.

Do not plead guilty without first consulting your attorney about the possibilities of winning your case if you go to trial.

It's important they you know the laws of the American state where you live and work, since each state's laws are different. Bear in mind the following information:

If you drink don't drive, since if you do not have papers you can be detained and deported [a bit of INFOMUNDO editorializing here: no word about maiming or killing yourself or others as a drunk driver!].

If a legal resident is cited more than two times for drunk driving, he can be deported.

Do not drive without a driver's license.

Observe traffic signs and signals and use your seatbelt.

Do not drive without auto insurance nor drive an unknown vehicle.

[THINGS TO] AVOID, PAGES 24 - 25

Do not pick up strangers.

If you commit some traffic violation and are detained by the police, place your hands on the steering wheel and do not get out of the car until the officer requests you to do so.

Avoid calling attention to yourself, at least while you are arranging your residence papers to live in the United States.

The best formula is not to alter your routine of going between work and home.

Avoid noisy parties because the neighbors can get upset and call the police, and you could be arrested.

Avoid fighting.

If you go to a bar or night club and a fight starts, leave immediately, since in the confusion you could be arrested even if you did not do anything wrong.

Avoid family or domestic violence. As in Mexico, it is a crime in the United States.

[THINGS TO] AVOID, PAGES 26 - 27

Domestic violence does not consist solely of hitting others but also can be threats, shouting or mistreatment.

If you are accused of domestic violence against your children, your mate or someone else who lives with toy, you could go to jail. In addition, Child Protective Services authorities could take away your children.

Do not carry firearms, bladed weapons or other dangerous objects.

Keep in mind that many Mexicans have died or are in prison because of these things.

If the police enters your house or apartment, do not resist, but ask to see a search warrant. It's better to cooperate and ask to speak to the nearest Mexican Consulate.

CONSULATES, PAGES 28 - 29

The Secretariat of Foreign Relations has 45 consular representatives within the U.S and on its southern border, which are designed to help you. Remember: if you have been detained or are serving a sentence, you have the right to speak with the nearest Mexican Consulate. Always carry your "Guide to Consular Protection" with you at all times.

Get Near to the Consulate...

Embrace Mexico.

It's your home, fellow countryman!

- Secretariat of Foreign Relations

- General Administration of Protection and Consular Matters.

CONSULATES OF MEXICO IN THE UNITED STATES, PAGES 29 - 30

List of U.S. Cities and phone numbers.

STATES - [MEXICAN] STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES - DIRECTORY OF OFFICES GIVING ATTENTION TO MIGRANTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MEXICO, PAGES 31 - END

List of Mexican cities and phone numbers.

BOX ON LAST PAGE:

This consular protection guide is not promoting the crossing [of the border] of Mexicans without legal documentation required by the government of the United States; its objective is to make known the risks implied and to inform about the rights of migrants regardless of their legal residence.