Lack of employment in Mexico is increasing the migration of labor to other countries, something for which we believe governments are responsible. No one wishes to leave behind their wellbeing and start from nothing. It is not about wanting to migrate, rather having to migrate because in Mexico conditions are not adequate. This was the conclusion of Dr. Gabriel Rincón, an immigrant leader in New York, originally from Puebla, Mexico, who spoke at the Migrants Forum organized in Puebla. At the same time, in terms of the possibility of legalizing the situation of undocumented Mexicans living in the United States, Carmelo Maceda urged families to educate their migrant relatives to behave honorably, pay their taxes using an ITIN [Individual Tax Identity Number] number, even if their status is illegal.

At the same time, it was recommended that immigrants have their documentation in order, such as their passport and birth certificate, which often this is not the case, causing problems for our fellow Mexicans. In addition, Maceda discouraged promoting marches that are offensive to the authorities of the country in which we are seeking legal residence.

Other pronouncements of this type were made by the prominent leaders from Puebla who live in New York and New Jersey, such as Jaime Lucero and Herminio García.

Lucero as well as García have supported Mexicans on both sides of the border for more than two decades with nothing more than their own enthusiasm to rely on.

In Piaxtla, Puebla, the Day of the Mixtec Migrant was celebrated for the seventh consecutive year. Attending were the Secretary of Development Javier López Zavala and High Commissioner for Migrant Assistance Héctor Escobar, who committed themselves to supporting the efforts of migrants.

Before an audience of families of migrants from Yetla, Progreso, Loma Bonita, and other Puebla towns, the speakers discussed strategies for addressing the migratory phenomenon, assisting victims of migration and the possibility of amnesty for Mexicans living in the United States.

Gabriel Rincón reiterated the commitment of the organizations he works with to continue supporting the 3x1 Program to encourage investments not only in public works but in the creation of small businesses in Mexico. He said that if a job, or three or five are created, and a life is saved, it makes the effort worthwhile.

In response, the municipal president of Chiautla de Tapia, Puebla recognized his countrymen who made possible seven public works in 2008, among them the multi-use space at Santa Ana Tecolapa and the paving of various streets in several communities, which represented an investment of 5,934,470 Mexican pesos ($440,000 US), 25 percent of which was provided by migrants living abroad.

At the same time, three other projects totaling an investment of 3,200,000 Mexican pesos ($238,000 US) will begin this year.