MEXICO CITY (By Chris Hawley, Republic Mexico City Bureau)
February 23, 2004 - Arizona Congressman J.D. Hayworth sent a letter to
colleagues on Tuesday condemning a guide for Mexican migrants and urging
them to complain to the U.S. State Department.
The Guide for the Yucatecan Migrant was published by the Mexican
state of Yucatαn last year and reprinted in a new, expanded version this
month. Officials also produced a video version of the guide and plan to show
it in community centers.
The book is "the latest instance of Mexico's state-sponsored encouragement
of its citizens to violate our immigration laws," Hayworth said in the
letter. "This guide and DVD are just the latest examples why we need to
re-evaluate our relationship with Mexico."
Hayworth, a Republican who represents Arizona's fifth congressional
district, was a vocal critic of a similar guide published by the Mexican
Foreign Ministry in December. The 87-page book tells potential migrants how
to apply for U.S. visas and job-training certificates that can help them get
legal employment in the United States. But it also gives detailed safety
advice for migrants who cross the border illegally.
Yucatαn officials say they are trying to save the lives of undocumented
immigrants and ease transition for those who enter the United States
legally.
Hayworth's letter cites passages of the book describing routes through the
Arizona desert and informing readers that they can enroll in U.S. public
schools. "I hope you will sign on to a letter to the secretary of State
urging that a strong letter of protest be sent to the government of Mexico
and to advise that government of possible serious consequences if its
aggressive encouragement and support of illegal immigration into this
country is not halted," the letter says.
