America is currently facing a border crisis as thousands of immigrants leave Mexico for the United States. This issue has led to some comments that many find to be condescending, and Mexico’s President has had enough.
In a recent interview, Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, spoke on recent comments made about his country. He defends Mexico’s sovereignty as some politicians claim that the US can force Mexico to comply with its immigration policy.
Understanding The US Border Crisis
For context, currently, approximately 11 million immigrants are in the United States, with many seeking a better life from the “hardship” in Mexico.
However, the influx of immigrants has caused outrage in the public. Places like Arizona are overwhelmed and have resulted in a bill that allows civilians to gun down illegal immigrants trespassing on their property. The president has proposed a solution, but people have yet to see the effect.
López Obrador Defends Mexico’s Sovereignty
Recently, Mexico’s President was forced to defend his country after hearing what House Speaker Mike Johnson said. Johnson said that the United States can force Mexico to follow America’s immigration laws.
The condescending statement offended López Obrador, which made him appear in an interview. During this session, he said: “We are not a colony. We are not a protectorate of any foreign country. And we have a very good relationship with the government of the United States — but not one of subordination.”
Mike Johnson Brings Up The ‘Remain In Mexico’ Policy
For context, this offensive statement came from Mike Johnson’s suggestion to the president. He urged Joe Biden to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy. This rule forces immigrants seeking asylum to first remain in Mexico.
Johnson proposed that this policy would help America handle the high numbers of immigrants taking over the border. But President Joe Biden doesn’t support the recommendation.
Mike Johnson’s Offensive Statement
Will the “Remain In Mexico” policy reduce the number of illegal immigrants swarming the border? The answer is debatable. However, the president doesn’t think it’s the best solution either.
When he was given the recommendation, Biden replied, “ But that’s not what Mexico wants.” At this point, Johnson made his controversial statement. He replied to the president, saying: “Mr. President. we’re the United States. Mexico will do what we say.”
What Is The ‘Return To Mexico’ Policy?
The ‘Return to Mexico’ policy is officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). It was introduced by former president Donald Trump in 2019 to combat the immigration problem. What did it do?
The program required asylum seekers from Mexico to stay in Mexico while the US processed their papers. The issue is that it can take months or years before these individuals get the green light.
The Policy Was Revoked In 2022
While the policy made promises, it didn’t last long enough to fulfill them. Just three years later, the Supreme Court revoked the rule on a 5-4 vote. Why? It received constant criticism. Commentators claimed it exposed migrants to dangerous conditions.
Even the Biden administration said the policy had “mixed effectiveness.” So, after several legal battles, the Supreme Court agreed to end the immigration rule. Nevertheless, people like Mike Johnson recommend the policy for fixing the border issue.
‘Biden Respects Mexico’s Sovereignty’
Mexico’s president made no reservations in commenting on Johnson’s remarks. He stated that, unlike the House speaker, Biden actually acknowledges Mexico’s sovereignty.
He made this statement in the interview with 60 minutes. He said: “Every time I speak with President Biden, the first thing he says to me is that our relationship must be on an equal footing.”
Other American Politicians Can’t Reciprocate This Respect
Despite this mutual respect between Biden and Mexico’s president, other politicians aren’t on the same page.
Mexico’s president accuses these politicians of generating strife instead of focusing on solving the issue. At the same time, Obrador stated that Texas Governor Greg Abbott needs to be thoroughly assessed. Why? The President states that he’s engaging in opportunism and “cheap politicking” with the border.
The Two Men President Obrador Respects
Despite being a humble president, López Obrador is very picky about his social circle. He claims that amongst several American politicians, only two have shown his country respect.
These two include Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Unsurprisingly, these are the two candidates most likely to become presidents in the coming election. Nevertheless, Obrador endorses these two as humble leaders.
How Did Trump Respect Mexico?
Some people may be confused that Mexico’s president mentioned Donald Trump as one of the few people who respect Mexico. There are a lot of allegations that Trump has been racist to the country.
From Obrador’s perspective, Trump did what he did to ensure stability between the US and Mexico. However, his policies were difficult to enforce and required an iron fist. Nevertheless, the President points out that Trump was respectful throughout.
‘Both Have Been Very Respectful’
Both Trump and Biden have received severe criticism for their administrations. Regardless, they have represented America well when handling the immigration crisis. This conclusion comes from Mexico’s president himself.
López Obrador said in the interview: “President Trump, like President Biden, has been very respectful. Both of them. We have had differences, but we have been able to put first the general interest of both peoples, the people of the United States and the people of Mexico.”
Obrador Wants To Stay Friends With Washington
The President’s calm but firm response to the “condescending” remarks made by speaker Johnson shows he wants to maintain a good relationship with the US. This makes sense, considering that Mexico has overtaken China in being the US’s top supplier.
It’s worth noting that President Obrador won’t be in the seat during the November presidential election. His tenure will end in September 2024. But he aims for peace between both countries.
President Obrador Didn’t Take The Remark Lightly
Mexico is currently trying to handle the border crisis just like America. As best said by López Obrador: “We are not a colony. We are not a protectorate of any foreign country.
And we have a very good relationship with the government of the United States — but not one of subordination.”
