Mexican-American relations to be discussed at convention

By Timothy Pratt (contact)

Friday, Jan. 30, 2004 | 9:01 a.m.

A convention of groups representing communities from various states of Mexico living in the U.S. will be held on the Strip this weekend to address some of the big issues facing the two countries -- such as immigration and trade.

The event, at the MGM Grand Friday and Saturday, is organized by a nonprofit organization called the Worldwide Association of Mexicans Abroad.

It comes in the wake of increased attention placed on Mexican-American relations after President Bush pitched reform to immigration policy based on temporary visas for workers. The president's plan was the first sign since before Sept. 11 that millions of undocumented immigrants might get some relief -- about 70 percent of whom are Mexicans.

Not surprisingly, AMME (the organization's initials in Spanish) President Carlos Villanueva plans to devote the largest block of time in the two-day event to Bush's plan, as well as two additional sessions to Hispanic members of Congress Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., and Mario Diaz Balart, R-Fla.

Villanueva said Wednesday that Mexicans in the U.S. -- about 25 million according to the Census, in addition to 5 to 9 million undocumented immigrants -- have a range of reactions to Bush's plan, often based on their own immigration status.

"The reactions range from those who think it is a good step that shows Bush's commitment to the Mexican-American community, to those who think it falls short and will leave millions out," Villanueva said.

"We hope to bring the two positions together as one," he said. With that done, the organization plans to lobby Congress on the issue.

Berenice Rendon, Mexican Consul in Las Vegas, said that times have changed since the Mexican government advanced what became known as "the whole enchilada" approach to immigration reform in the early days of the Bush administration. After Sept. 11, "it has to be bit by bit," said Rendon, who will speak at the event.

Also present will be Mexican lawmakers and governors as well as a U.S. Census Bureau spokesman.

And when it's all over, the attendees will engage in that most American of rituals -- watching the Super Bowl.

Rendon, who has served as Mexican consul across the U.S. and abroad since 1977, said she hasn't missed the game in years -- even while stationed in Cuba in 1986.

She said American football is very popular in Mexico City, where most people are Dallas Cowboys fans.

As for her, she acquired a habit while stationed in Boston that she'll keep alive this Sunday -- she's going with the Patriots.