For Ordinary Folk, a Sense That Clinton Visit Is Fateful

MEXICO CITY — Edgar Leon hopes President Clinton will resolve the immigration problem. Pedro Perez figures Clinton will choose the next mayor of Mexico City. And Benito Nieto thinks Clinton could curb Mexico’s notorious corruption, by warning officials here not to steal so much.

As Clinton began his first official visit to Mexico on Monday, officials emphasized that his trip would be largely symbolic. But among ordinary folks, there was a sense that a man who shaped their fates--for better and worse--was arriving.

“People think he’s coming to influence Mexico so the U.S. benefits. But there are benefits for both sides” in the trip, said Conrado Munguia, a retiree playing dominoes in the capital’s Chapultepec Park.

In 20 interviews in the capital’s streets, Mexicans expressed the traditional combination of admiration and resentment toward their northern neighbor. But their mood also reflected the pessimism and loss of self-confidence in a country struggling through economic hardship and corruption scandals.

“We hope Clinton gives us ideas,” said Flor Cortes, a 22-year-old student. “We need help. We are passing through a crisis.”

Although he is the first U.S. president to visit Mexico City since 1979, Clinton faced a low-key reception. Only a few red-white-and-blue banners fluttered near the Inter-Continental hotel where he is staying.

Clinton arrives as relations between the neighbors have been strained over drug-trafficking and a new U.S. law to limit illegal immigration. Still, those interviewed generally viewed Clinton more positively than they do other members of the U.S. government. Clinton has defended Mexico repeatedly in the U.S. Congress--pushing for the North American Free Trade Agreement, opposing punishment of Mexico for drug-trafficking, and pulling together a $50-billion rescue package when Mexico nearly went bankrupt after the 1994 peso collapse.

“When they did [California’s Proposition] 187, Clinton didn’t support it,” said Maria de los Angeles Bueno, a 24-year-old news vendor. “He wanted to join with us, to help us.”

Added her husband, Juan de Dios Ramirez: “He’s better than that millionaire, Ross Perot, who attacks immigrants.”

While Mexicans have often condemned U.S. intervention in their affairs, several people were so upset by the country’s economic and corruption troubles that they suggested Clinton help out.

“We hope he helps us by making our government think in a different way,” said Nieto, a taxi driver. Clinton, he said, should tell Mexican politicians not to be so corrupt.

Still, suspicion of U.S. motives persisted. Several people said Clinton would probably use his weight to influence midterm elections set for July. U.S. and Mexican officials have denied Clinton’s trip was timed to support the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party.

But Perez, a street vendor, wasn’t convinced. In fact, he declared, Clinton’s main goal was to dictate to Mexican officials who should win the capital’s first mayoral election. The official used to be appointed by the president. “In truth, Clinton is coming for this,” said Perez. “He came to tell [President Ernesto] Zedillo what to do.”

While many Mexicans expressed a positive opinion of Clinton, there was widespread concern about the new U.S. law cracking down on illegal immigration.

Leon, who was raking outside the capital’s archeology museum, said he hoped Clinton and Zedillo could reach an accord on immigration.

“The majority [of Mexican emigrants] go north to our neighbor to find better opportunities. But they’re very badly treated.”