Massieu: Mexico and Wisconsin: a growing strategic partnership
Our links go beyond trade. Wisconsin is home to 270,000 Mexicans, who represent 73% of the Latino community and almost 5% of the state’s total population.
Over the years, Mexico and Wisconsin have built the kind of close and mutually beneficial relationship that only true partners nurture. We share values, interests and a vision to create common prosperity for our people.
Figures speak for themselves. More than 117,000 jobs in the Dairy State directly depend on trade with Mexico. In 2015 alone, we imported $2.9 billion worth of goods from Wisconsin. This is not surprising since Mexico is the second most important market for Wisconsin’s exports, as well as its third largest supplier.
Since 2005, our bilateral trade has grown 4% annually. Last year alone, it amounted to $5.6 billion, roughly the same amount we traded with France, a G20 country. And with every additional dollar of bilateral commerce, more jobs and prosperity are created for both partners. Our bilateral trade has become vital for millions of women and men, providing for their families on this side of the border.
However, our links go beyond trade. Wisconsin is home to 270,000 Mexicans, who represent 73% of the Latino community and almost 5% of the state’s total population. And one thing is certain: For those who prey on disinformation and fear for political gain, Mexicans and immigrants, in general, are a positive presence and a force of good that bring something more meaningful than just their luggage. They contribute their honest and hard work to the prosperity and growth of this nation.
Immigrants account for 40% of Wisconsin’s dairy farm workforce. They own 8% of Wisconsin’s businesses, which between 2006 and 2010 generated revenue of $600 million per year and created 11,000 new jobs. In 2014, the purchasing power of Latinos in Wisconsin totaled $7.4 billion, which translates into a powerful boost for the economy and local businesses.
Immigrants are also taxpayers. In 2013, Latino immigrants in Wisconsin paid $1 billion in federal, state and local taxes; $511 million to Social Security and $120 million to Medicare. It is estimated that if all unauthorized immigrants left Wisconsin, the state would lose 14,579 jobs, $2.6 billion in economic activity, and another $1.2 billion in gross state product.
It is in this context that I am conducting my first working visit to Wisconsin as secretary of foreign affairs to officially open a Mexican Consulate in Milwaukee. Our new consular representation would be our 50th in the United States. Mexico's consulate in Milwaukee is now part of the largest — and increasingly robust — consular network of any country.
This is a testament to the priority we give to relations with our neighbor to the north, which is only natural, since our partnership is vigorous and growing stronger.
In times when some voices attempt to awaken intolerance and discrimination through prejudice and misinformation, it is of the utmost importance to remind ourselves that, historically, Mexico and the United States have proved to be stronger, safer and more successful when they work together. Our interests have become so intertwined at all levels that what is good for one country, is not only good for the other, but better for both.
This is also true for relations between Mexico and Wisconsin, and that is why I in Wisconsin today, renewing our commitment to strengthen the mutual respect, trust and understanding that will allow us to continue creating opportunities, jobs and prosperity for Mexicans and Americans on both sides of the border.
Claudia Ruiz Massieu is secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico and will be in Milwaukee Tuesday to open a consular office in the city.