i'd rather improve the situation in mexico. but instead of seeing that, conservatives just want to shove developing countries into a box, shut the lid, and ignore it.
Actually I have had the idea for some time that there should be a massive movement of young Americans into Mexico to help them build up their economy. Plenty of rich Americans go down there to retire. I don't know if that contributes anything to the economy or not, but I'm thinking of things like helping to develop farmland, not just hire people but start farms or other enterprises and set them up so that the local people have a share in them. If Israel can do it with their desert beginnings, so can Mexico, but it takes commitment and foresight.
I know plenty of church groups from all over America go to Mexico on a short-term basis to help out local communities, but that's just a drop in the bucket. My own church is sending a group for a week next week. They will help with the needs at an orphanage, are taking supplies of all kinds. Sometimes building projects are part of the help they offer. Sometimes it's a medical mission where doctors give their time to the locals. But again, it's very brief, and only a drop in the bucket of what is needed.
To help Mexico would take a massive movement of people young and energetic enough to work hard to do something to improve conditions overall. If something along those lines got started I'd guess that a lot of the would-be illegal immigrants would be attracted to the projects they developed. It could be a profit-sharing arrangement or even something kibbutz-like so that all the workers have a reward from their labor. They should start new communities with schools. Practicalities are not my strong suit so I don't know how this would work out in reality, but if great numbers of dedicated energetic people were involved I'd think much is possible.
Moved to
new thread on immigration.
This message has been edited by Faith, 04-11-2006 12:31 PM