Mexico's Demands: The Complex Negotiations on Immigration Cooperation

Mexican President Sets Conditions for Aiding U.S. in Curbing Migrant Flow.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in Mexico City, Mexico, on Nov. 20, 2022. Photograph by: (Manuel Velasquez / Getty Images file)

I. Introduction

Mexican President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador has presented a list of demands outlining the conditions under which Mexico would assist the U.S. in addressing the migrant influx at the U.S.-Mexico border. The demands, disclosed during a Friday press conference, add a layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations between the two nations.

II. Background of Negotiations

The demands follow a meeting between Lopez Obrador and top U.S. officials, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, held in Mexico City in late December. The U.S. delegation sought increased collaboration from Mexico in controlling illegal immigration.

III. Lopez Obrador's Conditions

Lopez Obrador responded to the U.S. requests with a set of conditions, including a demand for the U.S. to provide $20 billion to Latin American and Caribbean countries. Additionally, he called for the issuance of work visas to 10 million Hispanics who have worked in the U.S. for a minimum of 10 years. Other demands include ending sanctions against Venezuela and lifting the blockade on Cuba.