HHS Students Visit Embassy of Mexico

Nitya Ramlogan (shown with Chelsea), Public Relations and Development Coordinator for Embassy of Mexico gave us a tour and description of art work including a spectacular three-story mural. Executive Director, Alberto Fierro, participated in a Q&A with students. Pictures of both below. This trip took place on February 15th, 2017.

Abby (center)- Do you enjoy shows like Saturday Night Live which makes fun of President Trump? ANSWER- Well as a diplomat I can't answer that questions. But I do enjoy a laugh here and there.

Judea- People in our nation either love or hate President Trump. How would you characterize the view of Mexicans towards President Pena Nieto? ANSWER- I really believe that many people do not like President Pena Nieto because of the party he is a part of and the history behind that party and how for many years people wanted them out of power. So when he regained power not many people were happy. But many other people saw it as a good thing because peace would be restored as much as normalcy. Pena Nieto has almost the same support and disapproval as President Trump.

Martin (right)-  Due to recent relations with the U.S. as a result of president Trump, were there any other candidates during the election that you believe would've been better for Mexican American Relations? ANSWER- I cannot say that another candidate would have outright been better for Mexican American relations. I can say however that Clinton did have experience in foreign policy and diplomatic relations with Mexico. She was hard on us politically, but criticism is good and we accept it. Someone with more experience with speaking with Mexican politicians could have helped us come to a solution rather than making us out to be the problem.

Gustavo and Shanda

Shanda- If a Mexican came to your embassy fleeing ICE would you grant them asylum?  ANSWER-  The embassy of Mexico is Mexican territory so we would not have to give asylum, he could just come here. But we do work with ICE officials to solve problems.

Nicholas- If a group of Mexican high school students were visiting the American embassy in Mexico City, what type of questions would then ask? ANSWER- They would ask what are the points of Trump's deportation plan and since Mexico is a huge buyer of American goods then why would you want to separate from us?

Melanie (left)- Canada is part of the NAFTA agreement. How are your trade and other relations with Canada? ANSWER- NAFTA has very strong ties and connections to not only the USA but to Canada as well. Mexico likes to think the trade alliance they have is not solely to one country. We should think not made in Mexico, USA or Canada but made in North America. 

Omare and Martin

Julio- On November 10th, Ambassador Sada wrote on your web site "The political transition underway in the United States will not be without challenges, but be certain we will meet those challenges with protection services that Mexicans in this country require."  What harm do you think may come to Mexicans in this country and how will you protect them? ANSWER- People's lives are destroyed when families are separated, they lose their jobs or end up in jail. We will try to give lawyer to those who aren't able to afford one to help them out.

Chelsea- The Washington Post reported President Trump stated "a strong Mexico was in the best interest of the United States." A few hours later there were angry words between Trump and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto. Do you see relations between the U.S. And Mexico getting better or worse in the future? ANSWER- It is quite clear that it is too early to assume either improved or diminishing relations between the two countries. Although Trump's statement is appreciated, his actions have proven otherwise and Mexico is disappointed to see such behavior, as the North American continent is so economically depended on one another. Furthermore, raising a 20% tariff on Mexican imports would prove detrimental to the United States, as Mexico is it's second largest consumer and has a widely popular agriculture sector. The proposal that Mexico will pay for the wall has been completely rejected. Overall, the message was that Mexico is willing to cooperate and wants the North American continent to be seen as a wholly functioning body.

Zaynab-  Many Latino's in the U.S. referred to President Obama as the "Deporter in Chief"  because of the large numbers of people he deported. Did your government have a problem with Obama's immigration policies? ANSWER- Obama was tough on immigration but he did try to get both parties to work together so new immigration reform could be passed. Obama did put first priority on deporting criminals.

Andrea, Gina and Luna

Marvin- Is there any way Mexico could pay for the border wall that would not mean the government of Mexico providing the funds?  By that I mean tariffs on exports that Mexican citizen’s purchase or some other way? ANSWER- Mexico will not pay for the wall. It's ridiculous to think we would. The way Donald Trump is confronting Mexico about this situation could break a great relationship between U.S.A and Mexico. Mexico is U.S.A's second biggest buyer, and in the future could be their first. We would end up losing a lot of international business, thus causing many of our companies to lose business and many many people losing jobs. Thus going against what Donald Trump thinks he will do, which is create more jobs, but in reality many people will be losing theirs.

Christian- Would you like to have a Major League Baseball team in Mexico? ANSWER- Yes! We would like one in Northern Mexico.

Trang (right)- Has the NAFTA trade agreement been a positive for Mexico and if so, would you want to renegotiate it as President Trump wants? ANSWER- NAFTA is important tothe Mexican economy which suffered from a depression not long ago. NAFTA provides jobs for Mexicans and makes Mexico the main manufacturer of farm products to the U.S. Mexico will try to renegotiate to save the agreement.

Luna

Shannon, Sasha and Zaynab