|
First Batch of Illegals flown to Mexico - Year Two of Test Program
MEXICO CITY — Ninety-four deported migrants arrived in Mexico's capital Friday on the first flight of a renewed U.S. repatriation program that left some pledging to try to cross again, while others said their border crossing days were over. It was beginning of twice-daily flights expected to bring thousands of Mexicans to their hometowns, and the second year of a U.S. program aimed at discouraging repeated border-crossers in desert areas, where temperatures soar during summer months.Greeted upon landing by the government's Grupo Beta migrant-aid agency, the deportees were given box lunches and free bus tickets to their home towns. U.S. officials have budgeted US$14.2 million (euro11.6) to deport by air as many as 33,900 migrants who choose to participate in the program, saying they'd like to be transported all the way home — instead of being simply left on the Mexican side of the border. The head of Mexico's National Immigration Institute, Magdalena Carral said the effort was worth it, even if some migrants planned to return. "You can't try to save money when it comes to saving lives," Carral said. "One life is worth it." But she also noted the program "is not the solution. It is only a stopgap measure," and that a "legal avenue of recourse" for migrant workers was needed. Washington plans 226 flights to Mexico City through Sept. 30 under an agreement with the Mexican government. People will be bused from Mexico City to their home towns, primarily in the southern part of the country. U.S. Customs and Border Protection spent US$15.4 million (euro12.59 million) on the program from July 12 through Sept. 30, 2004, with some flights going to Guadalajara. However, all flights this year will be to Mexico City, and will [use] chartered Mexican, rather than U.S. planes. Posted by: Pappy 2005-06-11 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=121381 |