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A Mexican Challenge By, Edward Juarez Immigrant's Voice (TV program)  Column: March 30, 2009 Give your opinion on our Immigration Forum Edward's Blog
	Edward Juarez
	Founder and President

Each day the situation becomes a greater challenge for the country of Mexico and its immigrants
who find themselves in the United States and have to return.  The Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has declared that Mexico faces a big challenge in terms of national security.

Reports confirm that the corruption in Mexico by the drug cartels can be seen at all levels.  As a consequence, a new social group was born and gave rise to help sustain these drug cartels, which is now considered to be the most powerful in the world.  Many are forced to participate under intimidation and obligated to economically contribute towards the “guerrilla taxes”, which exceeds the nation’s tax system contributions.

The social repercussions against the cartel are not only affecting the politicians, businessmen from all levels and community leaders, but also the immediate family members of immigrants who could easily become victims of kidnapping or even murder.

In the United States, it is estimated that almost 60% of undocumented immigrants are Mexican.  This situation could offer legal protection.

The United States Immigration Act protects those who cannot or fears to return, or those who are not willing to live in their country due to the protection offered.  Therefore, those who have established an extreme sense of fear of persecution because of public opinion, or as in this case because of belonging to a social group, could obtain protection offered by political asylum.

The Legal Division of the International Immigrants Foundation has started a campaign to assist affected immigrants and their families.  In my next conference on Saturday April 4th, I will thoroughly explain who can qualify and the options available to obtain legal status.