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Bush sounds right note in Latin America

By A TIMES EDITORIAL
Published March 17, 2007

There is something constructive rooted in the street protests that greeted President Bush during his recent six-day visit to Latin America. His hosts' demands for comprehensive immigration reform reflect a desire throughout the region to forge closer ties with the United States. That is the message the president needs to bring home to Congress. Latin Americans would have an easier time believing in the world economy if more of them could find fair and legal ways to enter and compete in the global marketplace.

The president seemed genuinely surprised that immigration, not trade, would dominate his five-nation tour. But he came to understand, certainly later in the trip, that immigration is a trade issue, and the portal to the opportunity and self-worth for which so many in the region are willing to risk their lives. At a news conference Wednesday with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Bush vowed to work with the Democratic Congress and holdouts in his Republican party to overhaul U.S. policy in a way "that will enable us to respect the rule of law - and at the same time, respect humanity."

That was the right chord to strike before returning home. Pushing comprehensive immigration reform is a signal that the administration wants to promote bilateral ties, not merely U.S. interests in the region.

Just by showing up and listening, Bush scored points in a region where leftist and rightist ideals are battling for popular allegiance. Bush and Congress need to chart a legal path toward citizenship for illegal immigrants already here, and work with Latin America on more collaborative ways to stem illegal immigration, particularly by the practice of human trafficking. Beyond that, Bush can build on his trip by working to strengthen trade, democracy and security on a broader front.

[Last modified March 17, 2007, 00:46:22]