Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress
Abstract
The United States and Mexico have a close and complex bilateral relationship, with extensive economic linkages as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In recent years, security issues have dominated U.S.-Mexican relations, as the United States has supported Mexican President Felipe Calderon's campaign against drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) through bilateral security cooperation initiatives, including the Merida Initiative, an anti-crime and counterdrug assistance package first funded in FY2008. Immigration and border security have also returned to the forefront of the bilateral agenda since Arizona enacted a controversial state law against illegal immigration (S.B. 1070) on April 23, 2010. In late July 2010, a federal judge blocked large parts of S.B. 1070 from taking effect pending the results of a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit challenging its constitutionality. In response to rising concerns about border security, President Obama has deployed 1,200 National Guard troops to support law enforcement efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border and Congress has approved $600 million in supplemental funds for border security (P.L. 111-230). The 111th Congress has maintained an active interest in Mexico with counternarcotics, border, and trade issues dominating the agenda. To date, Congress has appropriated some $1.5 billion in assistance for Mexico under the Merida Initiative, including $175 million in funds for justice sector programs included in the FY2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 4899/P.L. 111-212). Congress is likely to maintain a keen interest in how implementation of the Merida Initiative and related border security initiatives are proceeding, particularly now that National Guard troops are being sent to the Southwest border. Congress may also consider proposals for comprehensive immigration reform.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 02, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA529142
Entities
People
- Clare R. Seelke
Organizations
- Library of Congress