Through the relatively short history as independent nations, Mexico and the United States have had a turbulent relationship . At the end of the previous century, with the signing of the NAFTA , the scenario changed: from “distant” neighbors to “ partners ”...until Donald Trump took office.
The businessman based his campaign on attacks against the Mexican communities living in the United States and on a promise to build a wall in the southern border . During his administration, he has constantly resorted to insults and offenses against our country.
Last Friday, he threatened to close the “damn southern border ” this week, or at least several parts of it. On Tuesday he said he was 100% ready to close it, even when U.S. officials warned that there would be “ potentially catastrophic ” consequences for their economy .
The damage would be mutual since, in the 3,185 kilometers of shared border , at least 1,000,000 people and 300,000 legally cross, and 70,000 of them are trucks. It has been estimated that the losses would be between USD $1,600 and $2,000 million every day .
In the social sphere, the consequence would be alarming. Every day, there are thousands of Mexicans who enter the United States to work or study, What would happen if the border was closed and they couldn't return? It has become evident that the Trump administration doesn't care about separating families.
Very few known when is Trump being serious and when he is using a discourse with a political aim . Nevertheless, the threats made by the U.S. President shouldn't be underestimated.
His administration set a record in the closing of government offices, in retaliation for not receiving money to build the border wall . In a unilateral measure , he imposed tariffs on products from its commercial partners and has walked out from agreements against climate change.
Closing the border as a way to pressure Mexico to stop migration from Central America could have positive results for Trump and his supporters but scarce results to solve the issue.
Obtaining political gains at the expense of economic losses , affecting society, and damaging the bilateral relationship is deplorable . There are voices calling for common sense both in the U.S . and Mexico . Hopefully, caution will prevail.
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