Representatives of Belize joined diplomats from Mexico and other Central American nations on Monday, January 9, 2006, to demand changes in United States immigration policy. Belize, Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Panama say the U.S. needs guest worker programs and the legalization of undocumented programs. The group criticized a U.S. proposal for tougher border enforcements. The regional representatives met in Mexico City and formed a working group to design a regional policy to avoid migrant abuse.
The group will also monitor the course of new immigration legislation in the U.S. The regional officials promised to do more to fight migrant trafficking, but indirectly condemned a proposed U.S. law that would make illegal entry a felony and extend border walls. A statement from the group said, quote, ‘Migrants, regardless of their migratory status, should not be treated like criminals’, unquote. (Love FM)
