Mexico's Felipe Calderon vows to defeat violent gangs

This article by BBC recounts Felipe Calderon's address to Congress. In a joint session of the US Congress, Calderon voiced his grievances of the Drug War in Mexico and of new American immigration laws.

In order to quell the Drug War, President Calderon called on the US to halt the flow of weapons across the border into Mexico. Calderon stated that increased violence between the drug cartels coincided with the "2004 lapse of a US assault weapons ban" while reminding Congress that "80% of recently seized guns could be traced to the US."

On the issue of immigration, Calderon admired Mexican migrant workers in the U.S. and promised to help secure their rights even though they are abroad. Felipe Calderon also voiced his regret that so many Mexicans leave the country to go north of the border and promised to create more economic opportunities within the country. Calderon also called on Congress to reform the US immigration policy. "The time has come to reduce the causes of migration and turn this into a legal, orderly and secure flow of workers and visitors," Calderon said. President Calderon then voiced his discontent with the recent Arizona immigration laws which he describes as "a terrible idea using racial profiling." President Obama had made immigration reform one of his top priorities, but with recent change over in the seats in Congress, analysts find it unlikely the legislation will hold any weight.

In terms with our Comparative Government class this article is important as it further emphasizes the symbiotic role between Mexico and the US. It demonstrates Mexico's further reliance on the US to help quell the Drug War with Calderon appealing to Congress for help. However, a cleavage between American and Mexican immigration policy is apparent as Calderon voices his obvious discontent for the US policies.