The head of a new Mexican government office dedicated to providing services to Mexicans living abroad Wednesday urged those living here to voice their concerns on everything from immigration problems to ideas to promote business.
Juan Hernandez, recently appointed to the coordinator’s post by Mexican President Vicente Fox, was in Chicago to meet with business, religious and community leaders. The area is home to the second largest Mexican community in the United States, consular officials said.
At a press conference, Hernandez spoke of a “new Mexico” under Fox that wants to listen to the needs of the community.
“We want to work very closely with the community. We want to know their complaints,’ said Hernandez, a former college professor in California and Texas and a business consultant.
Hernandez said his office will explore ways to increase trade and encourage investment in Mexico. One idea is to create local trade offices in the United States to help Mexican businesses export goods to the U.S.
The Mexican government also wants to help Mexicans who are considering a move back to their homeland. There are plans to set up a toll-free number to help Mexican immigrants living here to find jobs in Mexico.
Eduardo Rodriguez, one of the businessmen who met with Hernandez, said he was eager to learn about the new initiatives.
“There’s a new spirit, a new attitude,” said Rodriguez, general manager of San Jose Imports in Chicago, which imports Mexican food products.
Another goal of the office is to assist Mexicans in navigating customs and border crossings when they return home for visits.
The new office will work to ensure that the human rights of Mexican immigrants, especially the undocumented, are respected, Hernandez said.
“These are individuals that were for many years in the shadows, individuals who did not receive the opportunities they deserved,” Hernandez said.
Immigration is likely to be a theme during a meeting between Fox and President Bush, who plans to visit the Mexican leader at his ranch in Guanajuato state later this month. It will be Bush’s first trip abroad as president, a sign of the strengthening relations between the two countries, Hernandez said.
