Mexico consul urges show of joint respect

Andres Chao said the U.S. and Mexican governments must work together to address the growing problem of illegal immigration in such a way that benefits both countries and their citizens.

He dismissed the notion that migration to the United States is an attempt by the Mexican government to export its poverty, and said Mexico sorely misses the young workers that cross daily into the United States.

"One of our objectives is to protect and defend Mexican nationals that live in this jurisdiction,” said Chao, who opened the Mexican consulate in Little Rock, Ark., a year ago. "We are concerned about the adverse circumstances our citizens are facing in the U.S. due to the failure of comprehensive immigration reform and the rise of states generating legislation.”

The Little Rock consulate, which is the 47th nationwide, serves the Mexican nationals in Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.