Obama calls for reform to pull migrants from ‘the shadows’

MEXICO CITY — President Barack Obama on Friday delivered an impassioned appeal to change U.S. immigration rules so that “immigrants get on the right side of the law.”

Speaking in the plaza of a museum holding Mexico’s most treasured archaeological relics, Obama hailed the contributions of Mexican immigrants to the United States and acknowledged that the strong support of Hispanics helped lift him to the presidency.

He called for a “well-regulated border” but said the best way to combat illegal immigration “is a growing, prosperous Mexico that creates more jobs and opportunity right here.”

He lamented the current U.S. immigration system, saying it doesn’t represent U.S. values.

“It separates families when we should be reuniting them. It’s led millions of people to live in the shadows,” he said as he prepared to depart for Costa Rica, the last stop on his three-day trip.

People of Mexican heritage residing in the United States number about 34 million, comprising some 11 percent of the population. Millions of Mexicans reside without proper documentation, although the net flow of Mexican migrants toward the United States is believed to have slowed or even stopped.

More than 1,000 well-dressed children from private English-speaking schools and wealthy business executives sat in the audience at the National Museum of Anthropology, a group that looked very little like the street vendors and others walking outside the heavily guarded site in the capital’s wooded Chapultepec Park.

Obama hailed the transformation of Mexico’s economy, saying it had brought “impressive progress” and lifted millions from poverty. “A new Mexico is emerging,” he said, one that is “a global leader in automobiles and appliances and electronics.”

Young Mexicans are empowered by technology, he said, adding, “I see some of you tweeting right now.”

The crowd reacted warmly, giving ovations at Obama’s attempts to speak Spanish and when he mentioned his daughter’s progress in learning the language.

As he did on his arrival Thursday, Obama largely stayed away from the issue of public security. More than 60,000 Mexicans have been slain since 2006, when criminal gangs unleashed unremitting bloodshed that has only stabilized in the past year or so.

The demand for narcotics in the United States is the root cause of much of the violence, Obama said. “I do not believe that legalizing drugs is the answer,” he added.

Speaking under huge Mexican and U.S. flags placed side by side, Obama said that “there is no senior or junior partner” in the U.S.-Mexican relationship.

Calling on a theme from his meeting with President Enrique Pena Nieto a day earlier, Obama suggested that the two nations can “do more to expand the trade and commerce that creates good jobs” and called for U.S. and Mexican companies to collaborate with greater intensity.

He said a new U.S.-Mexican partnership in higher education could bring thousands of students to cross the border in both directions for university training.

“When we study together,” he said, “we prosper together.”

—-

&Copy;2013 McClatchy Washington Bureau

Visit the McClatchy Washington Bureau at www.mcclatchydc.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Police Cmdr. Scott King answers questions about the Flock Safety license plate camera system on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace approves Flock camera system after public pushback

The council approved the $54,000 license plate camera system agreement by a vote of 5-2.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Lynnwood
Motorcycle rider dies in Lynnwood crash involving another vehicle

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office detectives say excessive speed may have been a factor in the crash.

Everett
Everett police arrest man in connection with fatal shooting

The 18-year-old male was booked into Snohomish County Jail on suspicion of murder, drive-by shooting and assault.

Washington State Ferries said it would deploy its new electric ferries first on the Mukilteo-Clinton run. Additional orders are expected to follow to replace more than a dozen other aging vessels in the fleet. (Photo by Tom Banse)
Washington state to buy new hybrid electric ferries from Florida shipyard

Gov. Bob Ferguson made the final call to turn down a higher bid from a local boat builder.

Community Transit saw a 17% jump in ridership from 2023 to 2024. Photo courtesy of Community Transit.
Snohomish County transit agencies seeking comments on planning docs

Community Transit and Everett Transit are preparing documents that lay out a path for future service and infrastructure improvments.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.