Mexican bishops criticize Bush immigration plan as unrealistic

Published: 2004-01-29

MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Mexican bishops have criticized U.S. President George W. Bush's proposal to overhaul immigration laws as an unrealistic and unfair approach to migration reform. "We see it as a partial solution, a Band-Aid," Mexico City Auxiliary Bishop Guillermo Ortiz Mondragon, spokesman for the Mexican bishops' conference, said Jan. 27. "We feel (Bush's) proposal needs to be expanded." Bishop Ortiz said nations have the right to regulate border security "for the good of society," but added "that shouldn't go against people's dignity." Bush's proposal, unveiled Jan. 8, would create a temporary worker program for illegal immigrants currently in the United States and for workers abroad who are offered jobs by U.S. employers. Migrants in the United States would be given three-year renewable visas, though Bush asked Congress to decide how many times working papers could be renewed. The president made clear his plan offered no sure path toward citizenship, arguing such a measure would amount to rewarding lawbreakers.

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