Arizona Latinos are rebuking comments made by former Mexico president Vincente Fox at an event hosted by the City of Peoria. At this meeting, former Mexican President Vicente Fox “attempted to browbeat Arizona and the United States into accepting the value of illegal immigrants or risk being economically overtaken by China,” according to observers.
Fox characterized the voices raised against the illegal presence of his citizens in our country as being rooted in “xenophobia” and disavowed any of Mexico’s responsibility for the ills that have been caused by the illegal drug trade generated by our neighbor to the South. One conservative Latino said, “It is laughable that Fox would attempt to educate Americans or Arizonans on the merits of his proposals to ensure our regional economic prosperity and security. As President of Mexico, Fox openly negotiated with terrorists such as Subcomandante Marcos, leader of the Leninist/Marxist group the EZLN – Ejercito Zapatista de Liberación Nacional (the National Liberation Zapatista Army. He also oversaw the creation of the now debunked AFI – Agencia Federal de Investigación (Federal Investigation Agency) which was completely infiltrated by the Mexican drug cartels.”
The Arizona Latino Republican Association (ALRA) president Reymundo Torres said of the speech, “With all due respect to former President Fox, the United States achieved and maintained its current economic and military prowess through an adherence to the rule of law and a reliance on the ingenuity and industrious nature of the American people. Historically, these unique traits have allowed us to avoid the social and economic chaos that has plagued Mexico and other developing nations.
It is estimated that Mexican expatriates send more than $20 billion in annual remittances back to their families which bolsters their domestic economy and alleviates social programs their government would otherwise be unable to provide. Therefore, it is understandable why President Fox would want to ensure the continued illegal presence of as many of his expatriates as possible. As for the short sighted economic and electoral advantages some Republican leaders think can be gained by legalizing the presence of illegal immigrants, their approach also conflicts with what has historically made this nation a beacon of order and justice in the eyes of all immigrants whom would seek to come here legally.
Despite the sensationalized claims of former President Fox or Republican illegal immigrant apologists, there is nothing xenophobic or racist about advocating the unconditional enforcement of our immigration laws or the desire to secure and defend our international borders. Quite the contrary, those are the very characteristics which have ensured our success and existence as a nation and we would only ensure our eventual demise if we seek to diminish those qualities.”
The Arizona Latino Republican Association is Arizona’s largest Latino republican group. They are focused on those issues important to the Hispanic community including the economy, jobs, education, immigration, and the sanctity of life.