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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress
Title: Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress
Date: December 18, 2008
Author: Mark P. Sullivan & June S. Beittel
Institution: Congressional Research Service
Bibliographic Entry: Beittel, June S. & Sullivan, Mark P. “Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress.” December 18, 2008. Congressional Research Service. http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL32724_20081218.pdf (Accessed February 3, 2009).
Electronic Link: http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL32724_20081218.pdf
Key Words: US-Mexico relations, Merida Initiative, NAFTA, immigration reform, counternarcotics, border security, human smuggling, drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, organized crime, Mexican drug cartels
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions:
This report examines the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the US. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has augmented economic linkages between the two nations by tripling trade. The report notes that relations are friendly but that border fence legislation in 2006 created some tension. Drug trafficking, human smuggling, and border security remain important issues for US-Mexico relations.
Cocaine, heroine, marijuana and methamphetamines continue to come into the US from Mexico. Recently, the US and Mexico proposed the Merida Initiative to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime in Central America. Mexican President Felipe Calderon has increased extraditions to the US, has assisted US counternarcotics operations, and has conducted many operations against Mexican drug cartels. He continues to call for a reduction in US demand for illicit drugs and a reduction in weapons trafficking from the US. The report notes that the recent financial crisis may hinder reforms put forward by Calderon to improve fiscal, energy, and judicial sectors. The report concludes by observing that the 111th Congress will likely continue to work with Mexico on immigration reform, trade, and other border issues.
Name of Researcher: Nathan Brown
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: February 13, 2009