The Foreign Service Journal, April 2006

Latin America, especially regimes that share his views on “neoliberal economics,” Madrazo’s foreign policy would revert to the more traditional posture of turning to Europe to counterbalance the importance of the U.S. The Honeymoon Is Over No matter who is elected in July, the honeymoon in the bilateral relationship that started five years ago is already over. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio Garza is more frequently presenting notes to the Mexican gov- ernment and publicly voicing U.S. unhappiness with Mexico’s perceived lack of commitment to fighting drug trafficking and controlling drug-related violence on the border. He has even gone so far as to close temporarily the U.S. consulate in Nuevo Laredo. And Washington’s official response to protests about the proposed wall is that Mexico is not respecting America’s right to protect our borders. Still, whoever assumes office on Dec. 1, the bilateral relationship will continue to function relatively smoothly on a daily level. There will be the occasional high-level dust-up, followed by a return to more or less cordial rela- tions. Relations with the U.S. would almost certainly be generally cooler if Lopez Obrador wins, while under Madrazo, relations are likely to be much more volatile. Although Calderon will probably make more of an effort than either of the others to keep Mexico’s relations with the U.S. on an even keel, there’s a limited amount he can do, given the different emphases in the two countries’ agendas. Meanwhile, the present U.S. political configuration does not seem capable of producing immigration legisla- tion that meets Mexican expectations — an obstacle to reaching a hemispheric security or trade agreement. With or without a wall, the contributions of undocu- mented workers to both the U.S. and the Mexican economies will continue to grow more important. Mexican workers will continue to help fill the jobs that need to be done in the U.S. and send money home to support their families in Mexico. n F O C U S A P R I L 2 0 0 6 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 45 Home Suite Home The next time you’re going to be in DC for an extended stay, make yourself at home at Georgetown Suites. With our discounted monthly rates and large, comfortable suites, you’ll feel right at home. Plus we’re near the State Department. Call today! Georgetown Suites the fun place to stay in DC 1-800-348-7203 www.georgetownsuites.com sales@georgetownsuites.com t ti ’r i t i f r t t , r lf t t r t it . it r i t t l r t l r , f rt l it , ’ll f l ri t t . l ’r r t t t rt t. ll t ! fun 1-800-348-7203 . r t it . l r townsuites.com