The White House emphasized that it is putting U.S. interests first when making policy decisions and has a “constructive” relationship with Mexico after President López Obrador made a number of demands related to migration policy. López Obrador requested lifting sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela, sending Latin American and Caribbean countries $20 billion in aid a year, and granting legal status to Mexican illegal immigrants in the U.S. in exchange for the Mexican government doing more to halt the surge of migrants to the U.S. border. While he emphasized the positive relationship between Mexico and the U.S., López Obrador also stated that the flow of migrants will continue unless certain demands are met.
The White House National Security Council spokesperson highlighted the importance of Mexico as a partner in various areas, including migration, drug traffickers, and economic cooperation, while addressing the migrant crisis through tackling root causes of migration and developing lawful pathways to the U.S. The spokesperson also referenced the Los Angeles Declaration for Migration and Protection, signed in 2022, which involved commitments from countries in the Western Hemisphere to reduce migration. President López Obrador and President Biden were acknowledged for having a constructive relationship built on respect, with a focus on addressing mutual issues such as migration and counternarcotics cooperation.
Immigration has become a top issue in the November election, with both President Biden and former President Trump having visited the southern border with Mexico the previous month. The Biden administration has been involved in a legal battle with the state of Texas over border security efforts. Republicans have called for the reinstatement of Trump-era policies, including the Remain in Mexico policy, to keep migrants in Mexico until their asylum claims are completed. The White House reiterated that national interest is a key factor in policy decisions and that frank, candid, and respectful conversations between sovereign countries are essential.
President López Obrador’s comments came shortly before the president of Guatemala met with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House to discuss cooperation on migration. The relationship between Mexico and the U.S. was described as important, fundamental, and based on mutual need. Despite the demands made by López Obrador regarding policies to address the surge of migrants, he expressed a commitment to slowing down migration and securing the border. The White House acknowledged the critical role the Mexican president has played in developing a constructive bilateral approach to address mutual issues of interest, underscoring that policy decisions are ultimately based on what is in the best interest of the United States.
Overall, the situation highlights the complex interplay between the United States and Mexico on the issue of migration, with both countries seeking to address the root causes while managing the influx of migrants. The importance of the relationship between the two countries was emphasized, with a focus on cooperation in various areas such as trade, drug trafficking, and economic issues. As the Biden administration navigates the challenges surrounding migration and border security, discussions between the U.S. and Mexico will continue to play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions and addressing the ongoing migrant crisis in the region.
