San Diego, California - Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray spoke at the "First Annual Distinguished Lecture on U.S.-Mexico Relations" hosted last week by the Center for U.S. and Mexico Studies at the University of California, San Diego. Among other topics, Minister Videgaray addressed immigration issues pertaining to the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The Mexican diplomat began by noting that the arrival of the Trump administration presented a new challenge. Videgaray explained that the old strategy applied to U.S.-Mexico relations had to be adapted. The new strategy requires a change from a relationship centered on presidents to one less anchored in the White House. This led the Mexican government to re-establish relationships outside the capital.

Moving into immigration issues more specifically, Minister Videgaray commented,

"We're a country that believes in the rule of law, both in Mexico and in the U.S. We don't condone or promote illegal immigration. But we do, we do have an obligation to and belief in human rights. And we think that any authority in the U.S. ... should protect the rights of Mexican nationals regardless of their immigration status."

As such, the 50 Mexican consulates in the United States are working to ensure that the rights of Mexicans are protected. The minister clarified, "This doesn't mean we are fighting against the law and enforcement of U.S. law. On the contrary, what we're asking is that due process and human rights are completely guaranteed for Mexicans."

Later in his remarks, Videgaray reiterated that Mexico would not tolerate the violation of the human rights of Mexicans in the United States. He noted that legal representation is being provided to thousands of Mexican nationals to ensure their protection. The foreign minister added, "We are not social activists. We do not promote or condone illegality, but we work through the courts and laws of the land."

Foreign Minister Videgaray also remarked on Central American migration through Mexico and into the United States, "We want to have a coordinated migration policy." The minister added cooperation is needed given the challenges that the flow of Central Americans presents for both countries. Videgaray suggested said cooperation should have a clear focus on the development of Central America, because "immigration enforcement is not going to be enough" to curb emigration from the region.

Other remarks concerning immigration included a call for a guaranteed free flow of remittances into Mexico and a "thinner border" allowing the flow of people and goods.