Migrants Are Also Neighbors

This op-ed says our government should improve its relationship with Mexico and other Latin American countries, along with immigration reform.    - - Donna Poisl

By GERALDO L. CADAVA

LATINOS might have made the pivotal difference in Tuesday’s election, especially in battlegrounds like Nevada, Colorado, Florida and Virginia. Republicans are already debating how to convert more of them — along with women, blacks and young people — from the Democratic camp.

Comprehensive immigration reform has been an elusive goal of both parties for two decades and is a priority of President Obama’s second term. But it will be hard to achieve unless the United States also re-envisions its approach to Mexico and other Latin American countries. The United States has historically shifted its Latin American policies according to its national interests. This won’t change, but the growing Latino voting bloc is likely to bring about a more nuanced approach.
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