PACIFIC COUNCIL RECOMMENDS BIDEN STRENGTHEN U.S.-MEXICO RELATIONSHIP IN FIRST 100 DAYS
The Pacific Council on International Policy has presented a First 100 Days Memo on U.S.-Mexico Policy to the Biden administration, outlining recommendations on trade, immigration, and diplomacy, as well as urging President Joe Biden to take immediate action to strengthen the bilateral relationship from the outset of his term.
Through careful messaging, consistent focus on the relationship, and early symbolic and substantive actions, President Biden has the opportunity to strengthen the critical U.S. relationship with Mexico. The Pacific Council’s Mexico Advisory Committee has commissioned a report focusing on actions recommended by Mexico policy experts and informed citizens that President Biden and his team can take to improve the relationship with Mexico during the first 100 days of his administration.
Following four years of often divisive rhetoric about Mexico and Mexicans from the Trump administration, the Pacific Council recommends that pressing the “reset” button on domestic political discourse about Mexico will reframe the relationship as one of strategic partnership. When it comes to immigration, the Council’s recommendations align with what President Biden has noted as his administration’s priorities.
The memo’s recommendations fall under four broad themes:
Re-emphasize Washington’s view of Mexico as a key strategic partner. Take steps early to send an unmistakable signal to Mexico about its value and importance to the United States. These can include convening reciprocal visits by heads of state, assigning key Cabinet officials to move the relationship in a positive direction, launching a high-level bilateral forum for collaboration in key areas of common interest, and developing a joint response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strengthen the North American region. Under the banner of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), engage Mexico in actions designed to resolve problems and facilitate regional collaboration while sending a strong signal to our trade competitors. Issue a powerful statement embracing robust relations with Mexico and Canada that strengthen our ability to compete globally and address China’s expanding regional profile, host a North America Summit as soon as it is safe and practical to do so, leverage the USMCA to address difficulties in the relationship and promote further cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico, and create a bipartisan panel to set common regulatory frameworks and integrate markets within the USMCA infrastructure.
Strengthen cooperation with Mexico to help advance immigration priorities. Work with Mexico on a counter-pandemic border strategy, development programs for Central America (to stem the flow of migrants moving north), and contingency plans for a potential post-COVID-19 immigration surge. Regularize the status of members of protected groups and people who have lived in the United States for extended periods of time.
Partner with Mexico on issues beyond security and trade. Make educational and cultural exchanges key components of the bilateral relationship, and support subnational efforts, for example those led by local governments and nonprofits, to improve the relationship.
