It is evident that global leaders do not hold President Joe Biden and his administration in high regard, as demonstrated by recent events. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador appeared on “60 Minutes” in a segment that aired on Sunday to address the recommendations and proposals he has put forth to the United States regarding Mexico’s role in managing its southern border.
These suggestions, which some perceive as ultimatums, involve the U.S. allocating $20 billion annually to assist impoverished Latin American nations, removing sanctions on Venezuela, lifting the Cuban embargo, and granting legal status to millions of law-abiding Mexican citizens who entered the country illegally through the southern border.
The president of Mexico’s proposal for stemming immigration includes:
– The U.S. commit $20 billion a year to poor countries in Latin America and the Caribbean
-Lift sanctions on Venezuela
-End the Cuban embargo
-Legalize law-abiding Mexicans living in the U.S. pic.twitter.com/rmJ1j78SxQ— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) March 24, 2024
Lopez Obrador has demonstrated his ability to effectively manage the situation at the U.S. southern border. A report by “60 Minutes” highlighted that in December, nearly 250,000 migrants crossed from Mexico into the U.S. However, following the Biden administration’s request for assistance from Mexico, the number decreased to about half in January, as reported by Customs and Border Patrol.
During an interview with “60 Minutes” correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, Lopez-Obrador explained, with the help of an interpreter, that Mexico had strengthened its own southern border security measures. Additionally, he mentioned that he had engaged in discussions with the presidents of Central America, Venezuela, and Cuba.
“We asked them for help in curbing the flow of migrants,” he said. “However, that is a short-term solution, not a long-term one.”
The United States is seemingly expected to provide billions of dollars as protection money in order to achieve a long-term solution. Consequently, its foreign policy towards communist regimes in Cuba and Venezuela would be influenced by Mexico City. The complete interview with Lopez Obrador on “60 Minutes” is available for viewing. It can be confidently stated that individuals involved in international blackmail are seldom received with such warmth and enthusiasm.
Lopez Obrador has engaged in discussions with President Biden for some time now. In December 2023, he suggested to President (Joe) Biden the initiation of a U.S.-Cuba bilateral dialogue. This information was reported by The Associated Press. Additionally, in January 2024, during talks, he brought up the topic of providing $20 billion in aid to Latin American countries, as documented by the U.K. Daily Mail.
The Mexican president has consistently advocated for his proposals in front of the national news media, according to the AP. When Alfonsi inquired about the consequences if the ideas are not put into action, Lopez Obrador straightforwardly stated, “The flow of migrants will persist.” Alfonsi even pointed out that the “proposal” seemed like a form of coercion.
“Your critics have said what you’re doing — what you’re asking for, to help secure the border, is diplomatic blackmail,” she said.
“I am speaking frankly,” Obrador responded, without denying the charge. “We have to say things as they are and I always say what I feel. I always say what I think.”
Alfonsi inquired whether he would still assist with the southern border if his suggestions were not implemented.
“Yes,” he said. “Because our relationship is very important. It is fundamental.”
That sounds considerably different from “the flow of migrants will continue.”
The responsibility to address the border crisis lies with American leaders, who must make decisions in the best interest of their citizens. External input should not dictate how the U.S. deals with its own issues. It was the policies implemented by former President Donald Trump that effectively managed the border situation in 2020, and a committed American leader could achieve similar results in securing the border once again.
The United States has a range of options available to address the border challenges before considering any suggestions from Lopez Obrador. As proposed by one X user, the U.S. could exert pressure on Mexico to enhance border security, curb the influx of migrants from Latin America, block unauthorized vessels, impose economic sanctions, and explore other measures.
This is a ransom note, not a proposal.
My counterproposal:
– Deployment of Mexican military forces to fully secure *their* southern border with USSOUTHCOM monitors provided full access
– Interdiction and return of all vessels, buses, and other conveyances transiting Mexican… https://t.co/jkDFxdulOM— HUNTSMAN 🏴☠️ (@maphumanintent) March 25, 2024
