The White House

NAFTA Notes

Attorney General Reno Sees NAFTA Benefits in Creating Jobs, Stopping Drugs and Illegal Immigration from Mexico

• In a speech before a group of university students in San Diego last week, Attorney General Janet Reno called the Free Trade Agreement with Mexico "our best hope for reducing illegal immigration over the long haul." In her remarks, the Attorney General touched on three areas that concern Californians, as well as all Americans: Illegal immigration, illegal drugs, and job creation by embracing economic change.
• "I am here to tell you that the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement will help protect our borders," Reno told the students. "If NAFTA passes, my job guarding the border will be easier. If NAFTA fails, my job stopping the flow of illegal immigrants will be much more difficult." Speaking frankly, Reno called illegal immigrants "brave people" who "take tremendous risks. Illegal immigrants don't make their perilous journeys so that they can stand in one of our welfare lines, or be treated in some emergency room," Reno said. "No, illegal immigrants come to America for jobs. It's that simple." Reno called jobs the "bottom line" for reducing illegal immigration: "We will not reduce the flow of illegal immigrants until these immigrants find decent jobs, at decent wages, in Mexico. Our best chance to reduce illegal immigration is sustained, robust Mexican economic growth. NAFTA will create jobs in Mexico --jobs for Mexican workers who might otherwise cross illegally into America."
• Reno also addressed the problem of illegal drugs from Mexico. She asserted that NAFTA would "cement" close ties and cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico on illegal drugs. "With NAFTA in place," Reno said, "I can work more effectively with my Mexican counterparts to ensure tough, honest enforcement of our anti-drug laws. Cooperation with Mexico is good for American law enforcement; it will help us do our jobs. That is why we need NAFTA."
• Finally, acknowledging that California has seen difficult times, Reno said she understood the temptation to pull back from economic change; however, she concluded, "I do not believe that this is the course Californians will choose." Recalling the spirit that drew Californians to their state in the first place, Reno stated: "California was built by people who were willing to change. The men and women who made California up-rooted themselves from homes, families and friends to move here. They embraced new technologies and industries -- from motion pictures to aerospace to computers to high technology. Californians have eagerly competed against all comers, from both at home and abroad. And the people of California have won this competition, creating one of the world's great economies." In this uncertain time, Reno stated, Californians must decide; however, the "facts leave no doubt: NAFTA will create jobs".