Annex Mexico

I recently saw a letter to the editor in the Yakima Herald Republic. This particular letter brought up an interesting topic: Annex Mexico.

We can annex Mexico

To the editor — The illegal immigration issue continues! One impractical suggestion was to make the illegal immigrants felons; another to repatriate them! A permanent long-term solution, which would be beneficial to us and the Mexicans, is shown by our Southwest states, once part of Mexico — annexation! Let our government invite Mexico to join us. Once invited, Mexico should take a vote of all its citizens, including the millions of illegal immigrants in the United States, and millions more in Mexico who want to come here. The vote should be on the basis of certain conditions, to be worked out, such as:

* Illegal immigrants in the United States must register and pay a fine, e.g. $2,500, the money to be used to provide instruction in the English language. Once qualified they could vote, ballots in English only.

* In Mexico, citizens would have the choice of voting in Spanish or English, with everyone encouraged to learn English. English as a second language would be required starting in first grade. All American citizens would be encouraged to be proficient in a second language besides English to better advance our international relationships.

3. This new U.S.A. would keep its constitution and legal system. Like Texas, Mexico would have the choice of becoming one or several states.

With the border abolished, Mexico could expect new jobs as American enterprise provided industrial, farm, mining growth, encouraging the people to stay in their home areas. Yes, there would be many adjustments, but look to the future!

ARTHUR HOWIE

Yakima

I don't think that annexing Mexico is the solution. First of all, will the Mexican people actually vote to join the U.S.? Maybe, maybe not. Second, how much of a benefit is it to the U.S. (government and citizens)? I can't imagine that the cost of improving the both the Mexican infrastructure and the U.S. infrastructure is not offset by the gain in taxes from the Mexican citizens. The benefit belongs solely to the Mexicans.