SEATTLE, Washington — With a 2,000-mile border between the two countries, the actions of the United States have always had a significant impact on Mexico and vice-versa. Mexico works with the U.S. to address drug control, human trafficking, education exchange and other issues facing the two nations. Additionally, the United States and Mexico have long been economic partners. Mexico ranks second in terms of U.S. trading partners. In 2019, the U.S. traded $614.5 billion worth of products to and from Mexico. Through trade and cooperation, the U.S. helps improve Mexico’s economy while also benefitting its own.
Congressman Henry Cuellar
One congressman who is doing his part to develop the relationship between Mexico and the U.S. is Representative Henry Cuellar. Cuellar has been serving the 28th Congressional district of Texas since 2005 and has sponsored bills related to international affairs, foreign trade, immigration and other foreign and domestic issues. Recently, Cuellar has sponsored two bills that could improve Mexico’s economy: The United States-Mexico Economic Partnership Act and the United States-Mexico Tourism Improvement Act of 2019.
United States-Mexico Economic Partnership Act
The House passed the United States-Mexico Economic Partnership Act (H.R. 133) in 2019. After receiving it, the Senate amended and passed the bill as well. Now, the amendment awaits approval from the House. If H.R. 133 becomes law, the U.S. will have three new objectives related to its relationship with Mexico:
- Enhance its economic partnership with Mexico
- Expand educational and professional exchange between the U.S. and Mexico
- Encourage a positive cross-border relationship
Benefits of H.R. 133
If H.R. 133 becomes U.S. policy, the United States will ensure that medical programs in Mexico have comparable requirements for certification as those in the United States. By doing this, doctors and nurses from Mexico will be able to pass licensing exams in the United States and practice there. Many talented doctors from foreign countries are unable to work in the United States due to time-consuming and complicated processes that many physicians are unwilling or unable to complete. Only about 40% of immigrant physicians who apply to medical residency programs in the U.S. are accepted compared to 94% of students from U.S. medical schools.
Additionally, this bill would improve Mexico’s economy by aiding entrepreneurs through the teaching of business skills. While Mexico has plenty of ambitious entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship faces some obstacles in Mexico, such as monopolies and access to financing. H.R. 133 could help entrepreneurs overcome these obstacles.
United States-Mexico Tourism Improvement Act of 2019
Congressman Cuellar introduced the United States-Mexico Tourism Improvement Act of 2019 (H.R. 951) in the House in 2019. The House passed the bill but it awaits action in the Senate. If enacted, this bill would improve tourism between Mexico and the U.S. and increase tourism from other countries to Mexico and the U.S.
Benefits of H.R. 951
H.R. 951 would improve Mexico’s economy by increasing the revenue made through tourism. In 2017, tourism accounted for 5.8% of employment and contributed to 8.5% of GDP. H.R. 951 will ensure that tourism to Mexico and the U.S. continues to be profitable for the countries.
Together, H.R. 133 and H.R. 951 can strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico and improve Mexico’s economy.
– Jillian Reese
Photo: Flickr