GUATEMALAN VICE PRESIDENT SLAMS U.S. IMMIGRATION

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 000009

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SMIG PHUM PREL PGOV EAID KJUS GT
SUBJECT: GUATEMALAN VICE PRESIDENT SLAMS U.S. IMMIGRATION
BILL



1. Vice President Eduardo Stein used the opportunity of a
public address December 29 commemorating the ninth
anniversary of the Peace Accords to strongly criticize
pending legislation in the U.S. Congress concerning border
security (HR4437 "Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and
Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005"). Stein stated it
was "intolerable" to propose building a wall on the
U.S.-Mexican border and to criminalize illegal immigration as
a felony.


2. Stein said that the passage of the bill in the House of
Representatives called into question what kind of friend the
U.S. is to Latin America, noting that "It seems like an
affront to all of Latin America that a government that calls
itself friend and partner wants only our money and our
markets, but views our people as a pest." He added, "We are
going to have the need to readdress (our diplomatic
relations) because they are only interested in our resources
and riches, not our people."


3. Following his comments about the legislation, Stein noted
that his government had a clear intention to develop stronger
ties with "more responsible" nations, particularly those in
South America. Stein also noted the need to conclude free
trade agreements with Taiwan, Canada, Chile, and the European
Union.


4. Foreign Minister Jorge Briz will meet in Mexico with his
Mexican and Central American counterparts on January 9 to
develop a joint position against the proposed legislation.

Comment
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5. Stein's harsh and bitter comments reflect a widespread
Guatemalan sentiment against the proposed immigration bill.
The strong and continuous criticism about the bill has put
the Government of Guatemala (GOG) on the defensive about its
lack of initial reaction against the bill, with some critics
comparing GOG officials unfavorably with their Mexican
counterparts who were quick to denounce the proposal. At a
personal level, Stein's anger likely reflects the frustration
of GOG officials who feel that Guatemala receives less USG
consideration than its Central American neighbors on issues
such as eligibility for the Millennium Challenge Account, its
request for Temporary Protected Status for its citizens
resident in the United States, and implementation of the
DR-Central American Free Trade Agreement.
DERHAM