NAFTA: What's in it for Mexico?

I continue to read the many concerns skeptics have about the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) ranging from loss of American jobs to the devastation of Mexico's corn growers.

There is one issue that has not been discussed. As someone with close ties to Mexico and a resident of Guadalajara for more than 10 years, I know that many of the recent arrivals to the United States would be much happier at home if given the chance to earn a decent living.

The Mexican government views NAFTA as a critical step toward improving the country's faltering economy. During a recent visit, I saw government-sponsored television and newspaper ads extolling the benefits of NAFTA, urging cooperation and participation as a means for economic growth and prosperity. Some of the real benefits include a reduction in illegal immigration and a healthier trading partner representing more than 88 million buyers of American-made products. For a country constantly shunned by its European allies, the US should take a long hard look at the vast natural resources and the consumer market across our own border. H. Smith, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

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