Creating Jobs in Mexico

In “Job Programs Aim to Curb Migrant Flow” (Aug. 20), we finally have an idea that makes some sense. Trying to create a wall on the frontier against illegal immigration isn’t any more effective than this kind of barrier is in keeping out the traffic in drugs. As long as there is a viable market for cheap labor in the U.S. and as long as that labor offers better opportunity than at home, the folks will keep going north.

Unfortunately, powerful special-interest groups in the U.S. don’t want to hear ideas about stemming their unlimited supply of cheap labor. This country has relied on cheap labor from abroad to help fuel its growth. That growth, along with its attendant population expansion, has in recent years threatened to overtake us and affect the quality of life in many areas. This does not concern the special-interest groups, which are only concerned with the bottom line in doing business. It’s time to start thinking about what kind of country we want to have for the future, and if it means paying a little more for goods and services because labor is more expensive, so be it.

Jiro Tomiyama

Los Angeles

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If we want to build economic capacity in Mexico so its citizens will not feel driven to emigrate, California and other states should consider a program similar to the Florida Assn. of Voluntary Agencies for Caribbean Action. This nonprofit matches Florida volunteer professionals with Caribbean groups seeking specific skills to improve their communities and economies.

The volunteer consultants can address almost any need: health care, small-business lending, computer infrastructure, environmental protection, teacher training, etc. The request for aid comes from the bottom up, not the top down, efficiently addressing real needs rather than throwing aid money at vaguely defined problems. California could build a solid base of volunteers with technical and other expertise just from the immigrants who have thrived here and want to share their skills with their homelands.

A FAVACA-style program is another tool for strengthening Mexico’s economy (and that of other immigrant-sending countries), one that can work with remittance programs and other development projects. FAVACA has a 20-year track record of providing effective development aid at a low cost (currently around $2 million in combined state and federal funds). California would be smart to embrace this development model and adapt it to our own immigration needs.

Kay M. Gilbert

Santa Monica