U.S. - Mexico Relations: Mexico needs to be a priority

A very good editorial from the Arizona Republic

Mexico needs to be a priority: "Mexico should be elevated on the U.S. foreign-policy agenda. Discussions about Mexico should be extended well beyond the border - in both directions.

Consider this: Despite years of efforts and billions of dollars, this country has been unable to prevent large numbers of job hunters from illegally crossing the border. These are economic refugees who might remain in Mexico if they could find jobs there.

A stable, prosperous Mexico would help the United States solve its illegal-immigration problem. A prosperous southern neighbor would also exponentially expand an already impressive economic and trade relationship.

Mexico's location makes it strategically important to the United States, and it is one of the top three sources of U.S. oil imports. What's more, many Americans have cultural and family ties south of the border.

What happens in Mexico matters to the United States."