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• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated July 2, 2003]

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  "This report, which will be updated periodically, examines issues in U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing especially on the role of Congress and congressional concerns. For more details and discussion, see the listed CRS [Congressional Research Service] products after each section. The Latin American and Caribbean region has made enormous strides over the past two decades in political development, with all countries but Cuba led by democratically-elected heads of state. But several nations face considerable challenges that threaten political stability, including economic decline and rising poverty, violent guerrilla conflicts, drug trafficking, and increasing crime. Bush Administration officials maintain that U.S. policy toward Latin America has three overarching goals: strengthening security; promoting democracy and good governance; and stimulating economic development. Some observers argue that the Administration has not been paying enough attention to the region and to instability in several countries. They maintain that the United States, faced with other pressing foreign policy problems like the war in Iraq and the global anti-terrorist campaign, has fallen back to a policy of benign neglect of the region. In contrast, others maintain that the United States has an active policy toward Latin America and point to the considerable assistance and support provided to Colombia and its neighbors as they combat drug trafficking and terrorist groups. They also point to the momentum toward free trade in the region through negotiation of free trade agreements, and to increased bilateral and regional cooperation on security issues."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Veillette, Connie; Taft-Morales, Maureen; Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2003-07-02
• Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Supplemental and FY2003 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors [Updated January 8, 2003]

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  "In 2002 and early 2003, Congress has been considering President Bush's request for additional funding and additional authority to provide assistance to Colombia and six regional neighbors in a continuation of the Andean Regional Initiative that was launched in 2001. The region has been viewed as important primarily because it produces virtually all of the world's cocaine and increasing amounts of heroin. Moreover, the stability of Colombia and the region is threatened by Colombia's longstanding guerrilla insurgency and rightist paramilitary groups, which are both believed to be largely funded by 'taxes' on illegal narcotics cultivation and trade."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-; Serafino, Nina M.

  2003-01-08
• Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Supplemental and FY2003 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors [Updated June 12, 2002]

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  "In 2002, Congress is considering President Bush's request for additional funding and additional authority to provide assistance to Colombia and six regional neighbors in a continuation of the Andean Regional Initiative that was launched in 2001. The region has been viewed as important primarily because it produces virtually all of the world's cocaine and increasing amounts of heroin. Moreover, the stability of Colombia and the region is threatened by Colombia's longstanding guerrilla insurgency and rightist paramilitary groups, which are both believed to be largely funded by 'taxes' on illegal narcotics cultivation and trade."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Serafino, Nina M.; Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2002-06-12
• Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors [Updated October 31, 2001]

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  "In April and May 2001, the Bush Administration proposed $882.29 million in FY2002 economic and counter-narcotics assistance, as well as extension of trade preferences and other measures, for Colombia and regional neighbors in an initiative called the 'Andean Regional Initiative' (ARI). Critics of the Andean Regional Initiative argue that it is a continuation of what they regard as the misguided approach of last year's Plan Colombia, with an overemphasis on military and counter-drug assistance, and with inadequate support for human rights and the peace process in Colombia. Supporters argue that it continues needed assistance to Colombia, while providing more support for regional neighbors and social and economic programs. [...] In action on the Andean Trade Preference Act, on October 5, 2001, the House Ways and Means Committee approved and ordered reported H.R. 3009, the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act, that would extend and expand theATPA through December 31, 2006."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Serafino, Nina M.; Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2001-10-31
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Legislative Issues in 2001 [Updated October 10, 2001]

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  "This report provides an overview of the major legislative issues facing Congress in 2001 relating to the Latin American and Caribbean region, and provides reference and linkages to other reports covering the issues in more detail. The report is organized by the regions and subregions of the Western Hemisphere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Sullivan, Mark P. . . .

  2001-10-01
• Drug Certification Requirements and Proposed Congressional Modifications in 2001 [Updated November 6, 2001]

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  "Since the mid-1980s, Congress has required the President to certify that specified drug producing and drug-transit countries are cooperating fully with the United States in counter-narcotics efforts in order to avoid a series of sanctions, including suspension of U.S. foreign assistance and financing, and opposition to loans in the multilateral development banks. The sanctions would also apply if the Congress, within 30 calendar days, passes a joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the presidential certification, however, any resolution would be subject to veto. [...] The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved and reported out a substitute version of S. 219 on April 5, 2001, with elements from the various proposed modifications, and on September 4, 2001, it reported out S. 1401, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2002-FY2003, with Sections 741-745 containing similar provisions. These provisions would modify the existing drug certification procedures for FY2002-FY2004, require the President to designate only the worst offending countries subject to sanctions, and encourage the convening of a high-level conference to develop an effective multilateral strategy. On October 24, 2001, the Senate passed the Foreign Operations Appropriations for FY2002 (H.R. 2506), with an amendment by Senators Dodd and Hutchison (S.Amdt. 1959), that generally incorporated the provisions of S. 219 and S. 1401 as reported, except that the modifications would apply only to FY2002 and would apply only to countries in the Western Hemisphere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2001-11-06
• Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2003 Supplemental and FY2004 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors [Updated July 25, 2003]

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  "In 2003, Congress is considering President Bush's requests for FY2003 supplemental and FY2004 funding for Colombia and six regional neighbors in a continuation of the Andean Regional Initiative that was launched in 2001. The region has been viewed as important primarily because it produces virtually all of the world's cocaine and increasing amounts of heroin. Moreover, the stability of Colombia and the region is threatened by Colombia's longstanding guerrilla insurgency and rightist paramilitary groups, which are both believed to be largely funded by 'taxes' on illegal narcotics cultivation and trade."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-; Veillette, Connie

  2003-07-25
• Drug Certification Requirements and Congressional Modifications in 2001 [January 10, 2002]

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  "Since the mid-1980s, Congress has required the President to certify that specified drug producing and drug-transit countries are cooperating fully with the United States in counter-narcotics efforts in order to avoid a series of sanctions, including suspension of U.S. foreign assistance and financing, and opposition to loans in the multilateral development banks. The sanctions would also apply if the Congress, within 30 calendar days, passes a joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the presidential certification, however, any resolution would be subject to veto. Over the years, spokesmen from many countries have complained about the unilateral and non-cooperative nature of the drug certification requirements, and have urged the United States to end the process and to rely upon various multilateral methods of evaluation that have been developed. Mexico, often the focus of congressional debate, particularly expressed dissatisfaction with the process, even though it was regularly certified as being a fully cooperative country. Following the July 2000 election of opposition candidate Vicente Fox as President of Mexico, legislative measures were introduced to modify the drug certification requirements, and these initiatives were mentioned when President Bush met with President Fox in Mexico in mid-February 2001, and in the United States in early September 2001."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2002-01-10
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated May 5, 2003]

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  "This report, which will be updated periodically, examines issues in U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing especially on the role of Congress and congressional concerns. For more details and discussion, see the listed CRS [Congressional Research Service] products after each section. The Latin American and Caribbean region has made enormous strides over the past two decades in political development, with all countries but Cuba led by democratically-elected heads of state. But several nations face considerable challenges that threaten political stability, including economic decline and rising poverty, violent guerrilla conflicts, drug trafficking, and increasing crime. Bush Administration officials maintain that U.S. policy toward Latin America has three overarching goals: strengthening security; promoting democracy and good governance; and stimulating economic development. Some observers argue that the Administration has not been paying enough attention to the region and to instability in such countries as Argentina and Venezuela. They maintain that the United States, faced with other pressing foreign policy problems like the war in Iraq and the global anti-terrorist campaign, has fallen back to a policy of benign neglect of the region. In contrast, others maintain that the United States has an active policy toward Latin America and point to the considerable assistance and support provided to Colombia and its neighbors as they combat drug trafficking and terrorist groups. They also point to the momentum toward free trade in the region through negotiation of free trade agreements, and to increased bilateral and regional cooperation on security issues."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Serafino, Nina M. . . .

  2003-05-05
• Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [Updated December 10, 2002]

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  "The United States and Mexico have a special relationship under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which removes trade and investment barriers between the countries. The friendly relationship has been strengthened by President Bush' s meetings with President Fox. Major issues of concern to Congress are trade, immigration, drug trafficking, and political rights. [...] On November 2, 2002, a military court convicted two Mexican army generals of protecting drug shipments for accused drug lord Amado Carillo Fuentes. On November 22, 2002, new U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza presented his diplomatic credentials to President Fox. During the cabinet-level Binational Commission meetings in Mexico City, on November 25-26, 2002, Secretary of State Powell and Foreign Secretary Castaneda reaffirmed the importance of the relationship between the countries and indicated the intention to continue talks toward a migration agreement. Mexico indicated concern with the impending reduction of tariffs on sensitive agricultural products, and the United States indicated concern about Mexico's continuing failure to provide water in South Texas as required by the 1944 treaty. On November 27, 2002, with safety inspectors and procedures in place, the Bush Administration announced that it would begin the process that will open U.S. highways to Mexican truckers and buses, but opponents went to court in early December 2002 to block the action."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2002-12-10
• Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for the 107th Congress [Updated May 10, 2002]

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  "The United States and Mexico have a special relationship under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which removes trade and investment barriers between the countries. The friendly relationship has been strengthened by President Bush's meetings with President Fox in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Major issues of concern to Congress are trade, immigration, drug trafficking, and political rights. [...] On March 22, 2002, President Bush traveled to Monterrey, Mexico, where he attended the International Conference on Financing for Development, participated in a NAFTA trilateral meeting, and discussed Mexico-U.S. issues with President Fox. In the international conference he reiterated the recent pledge to increase U.S. core development assistance by 50% in three years, adding $5 billion to a Millennium Challenge Account to fund initiatives in developing countries that pursue good governance and sound economic policies. In the trilateral meeting, the leaders reaffirmed the importance of NAFTA. In the bilateral meeting, Presidents Bush and Fox announced a number of initiatives, including (1) a U.S.-Mexico Border Partnership Action Plan with greater cooperation and technological enhancements at the border, (2) a "Partnership for Prosperity" Action Plan with public-private initiatives to promote domestic and foreign investment in less developed areas of Mexico with high migration rates, (3) agreement to seek legislative support to expand the mandate of the North American Development Bank (NADBank) and the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission (BECC) to finance environmental infrastructure along the border, and (4) agreement to continue the cabinet-level talks to achieve safe, legal, and orderly migration flows between the countries. On April 9, 2002, the Mexican Senate denied President Fox permission to travel to the United States and Canada for business-related meetings, apparently because of concerns that President Fox is traveling excessively and that concrete results have been lacking. On April 19, 2002, Mexico, for the first time, voted to censure Cuba in the United Nations' Human Rights Commission, and on April 22, 2002, Cuban President Castro strongly criticized President Fox, claiming that he had been pressured to leave the international conference in Monterrey early."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2002-05-10
• Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for the 107th Congress [Updated March 20, 2002]

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  "The United States and Mexico have a special relationship under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which removes trade and investment barriers between the countries. The friendly relationship has been strengthened by President Bush's meet- ings with President Fox in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Major issues of concern to Congress are trade, immigration, drug trafficking, and political rights. [...] On March 4-5, 2002, Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge and other U.S. officials visited Mexico to explore opportunities to improve border security. On March 9, 2002, Mexican authorities announced the arrest of drug lord Benjamin Arellano-Felix and the probable death of his brother Ramon Arellano Felix in a police shoot-out a month earlier. On March 14, 2002, the authorities announced the arrest of Manuel Herrera Barraza, another key figure in the Arellano Felix organization. On the days prior to President Bush's upcoming visit to Monterrey, Mexico, on March 22, 2002, to attend the International Conference on Financing for Development and to discuss bilateral issues with President Fox, press accounts suggest that he was considering proposals to create a new border control agency and that he would offer to provide $30 million in U.S. assistance for poor areas in Mexico under the U.S.-Mexico Partnership for Progress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2002-03-20
• Mexico-United States Dialogue on Migration and Border Issues, 2001-2005 [Updated March 30, 2005]

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  "This report, which will be updated periodically, focuses on the interactions between Mexico and the United States on migration and border issues during the administrations of President George W. Bush and President Vicente Fox of Mexico. The discussions and agreements fall into four areas: (1) the bilateral migration talks, (2) the Partnership for Prosperity, (3) the Border Partnership Agreement, and (4) the trilateral 'Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) of North America.' The bilateral migration talks were initially announced at the Presidents' first meeting in February 2001, and they were more formally reviewed in early September 2001. At that time, the Presidents instructed the cabinet-level working group 'to reach mutually satisfactory results on border safety, a temporary worker program and the status of undocumented Mexicans in the United States . . . as soon as possible.' The talks stalled, however, following the terrorist attacks upon the United States and increased concerns with border security. President Bush urged immigration reform in his State of the Union address on February 2, 2005. The House approved immigration control and identity card standards when it passed the REAL ID Act of 2005 (H.R. 418) on February 10, 2005, and attached it to the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for FY2005 (H.R. 1268) on March 16, 2005."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2005-03-30
• Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated March 30, 2005]

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  "The United States and Mexico have a special relationship as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The friendly relationship has been strengthened by President Bush's meetings with President Fox. This report, covering trade, migration/border, drug trafficking, and political issues, will be updated on a regular basis. [...] On March 7, 2005, the United States withdrew from the Optional Protocol giving the International Court of Justice jurisdiction over disputes under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations; this came a week after President Bush directed state courts to review the cases of 51 Mexicans on death row to comply with a March 2004 ICJ [International Court of Justice] decision that the United States had breached its obligations under the Vienna Convention by failing to notify Mexican consular officials when those Mexican nationals were arrested. On March 10, 2005, Secretary of State Rice visited Mexico in preparation for President Bush's March 23 meeting with the leaders of Mexico and Canada; she praised the remarkable cooperation between the countries, defended the recent State Department reports on human rights and drug control efforts against Mexican criticism, and announced Mexico's agreement to transfer enough water to meet its existing water debt with the United States. On March 16, 2005, the House passed the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for FY2005 (H.R. 1268), with the text of H.R. 418, the REAL ID Act, as Division B, with identity card standards and provisions to facilitate the completion of fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border. On March 23, 2005, President Bush hosted meetings in Texas with President Fox and Prime Minister Martin, in which the leaders established the trilateral 'Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) of North America,' that will seek to advance the common security and the common prosperity of the countries through expanded cooperation and harmonization of policies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2005-03-30
• Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for the 107th Congress [Updated March 26, 2002]

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  "The United States and Mexico have a special relationship under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which removes trade and investment barriers between the countries. The friendly relationship has been strengthened by President Bush's meetings with President Fox in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Major issues of concern to Congress are trade, immigration, drug trafficking, and political rights. [...] On March 22, 2002, President Bush traveled to Monterrey, Mexico, where he attended the International Conference on Financing for Development, participated in a NAFTA trilateral meeting, and discussed Mexico-U.S. issues with President Fox. In the international conference he reiterated the recent pledge to increase U.S. core development assistance by 50% in three years, adding $5 billion to a Millennium Challenge Account to fund initiatives in developing countries that pursue good governance and sound economic policies. In the trilateral meeting, the leaders reaffirmed the importance of NAFTA. In the bilateral meeting, Presidents Bush and Fox announced a number of initiatives, including (1) a U.S.-Mexico Border Partnership Action Plan with greater cooperation and technological enhancements at the border, (2) a "Partnership for Prosperity" Action Plan with public-private initiatives to promote domestic and foreign investment in less developed areas of Mexico with high migration rates, (3) agreement to seek legislative support to expand the mandate of the North American Development Bank (NADBank) and the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission (BECC) to finance environmental infrastructure along the border, and (4) agreement to continue the cabinet-level talks to achieve safe, legal, and orderly migration flows between the countries."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2002-03-26
• Mexico's Congress and July 2003 Elections [July 28, 2003]

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  "On July 6, 2003, Mexico held nation-wide elections to renew the membership of the 500-seat Chamber of Deputies and to elect local officials in ten states. Coming at the mid-point of the six-year term of President Vicente Fox, these elections, by determining the balance of power in the lower chamber of Congress, significantly affect President Fox's ability to enact his programs and set the stage for coming presidential elections in 2006. Official results indicate that President Fox's conservative National Action Party (PAN) fared poorly, while the long-ruling centrist Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) secured a dominant position in Congress, and the leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) increased representation in Congress and consolidated local control in the Mexico City Federal District. This suggests that President Fox will have even more difficulty enacting his proposals in the new Congress. This short report provides background on the functioning of the Mexican Congress and summarizes the results of the 2003 election. The report will be updated to indicate the result of pending action in the electoral tribunal. For further information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31876, 'Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for the 108th Congress.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2003-07-28
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Legislative Issues in 2001-2002 [Updated April 18, 2002]

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  "This report provides an overview of the major legislative issues Congress dealt with in 2001 and 2002 relating to Latin America and the Caribbean. Organized by the regions and subregions of the Western Hemisphere, the report provides reference and linkages to other reports covering the issues in more detail. The importance of the region to the United States has been emphasized by President Bush's trips to Mexico in February 2001 and March 2002 and his trips to Peru and El Salvador in March 2002, and by a number of congressional trips to the region."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2002-04-18
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Legislative Issues in 2001-2002 [Updated March 6, 2002]

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  "This report provides an overview of the major legislative issues facing Congress in 2001 and 2002 relating to the Latin American and Caribbean region, and provides reference and linkages to other reports covering the issues in more detail. The report is organized by the regions and subregions of the Western Hemisphere."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2002-03-06
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated February 28, 2003]

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  "This report, which will be updated periodically, examines issues in U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing especially on the role of Congress and congressional concerns. For more details and discussion, see the listed CRS [Congressional Research Service] products after each section. [...] Congressional attention to Latin America in the 108th Congress will likely focus on counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism efforts in the Andean region, trade issues, and potential threats to democracy and stability. U.S. counter-narcotics efforts will focus on continuation of the Andean Regional Initiative supporting Colombia and its neighbors in their struggle against drug trafficking and drug-financed terrorist groups. With regard to trade, now that negotiations with Chile for a bilateral free trade agreement are completed, Congress will likely consider implementing legislation for the agreement under fast track procedures. Congressional oversight also may focus on negotiations for a Free Trade Area of the Americas agreement, scheduled for completion in January 2005, and on negotiations for a free trade agreement with Central America. Congress may also pay increased attention to economic, social, and political tensions in South America that could threaten democratic order, particularly in Venezuela and Argentina. In the Caribbean, Congress will likely continue to debate the appropriate U.S. policy approach to Cuba, the region's only holdout to democracy, as it has for the past several years, while Haiti's persistent poverty and political instability may also remain a congressional concern. Finally, Congress will likely maintain an active interest in neighboring Mexico, with a myriad of trade, migration, border and drug trafficking issues dominating U.S.-Mexico bilateral relations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2003-02-28
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 108th Congress [January 30, 2003]

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  "This report, which will be updated periodically, examines issues in U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing especially on the role of Congress and congressional concerns. For more details and discussion, see the listed CRS [Congressional Research Service] products after each section [...]Congressional attention to Latin America in the 108th Congress will likely focus on counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism efforts in the Andean region, trade issues, and potential threats to democracy and stability. U.S. counter-narcotics efforts will focus on continuation of the Andean Regional Initiative supporting Colombia and its neighbors in their struggle against drug trafficking and drug-financed terrorist groups. With regard to trade, now that negotiations with Chile for a bilateral free trade agreement are completed, Congress will likely consider implementing legislation for the agreement under fast track procedures. Congressional oversight also may focus on negotiations for a Free Trade Area of the Americas agreement, scheduled for completion in January 2005, and on negotiations for a free trade agreement with Central America. Congress may also pay increased attention to economic, social, and political tensions in South America that could threaten democratic order, particularly in Venezuela and Argentina. In the Caribbean, Congress will likely continue to debate the appropriate U.S. policy approach to Cuba, the region's only holdout to democracy, as it has for the past several years, while Haiti's persistent poverty and political instability may also remain a congressional concern. Finally, Congress will likely maintain an active interest in neighboring Mexico, with a myriad of trade, migration, border and drug trafficking issues dominating U.S.-Mexico bilateral relations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2003-01-30
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Legislative Issues in 2001-2002 [Updated December 6, 2002]

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  "This report provides an overview of the major legislative issues Congress dealt with in 2001 and 2002 relating to Latin America and the Caribbean. Organized by the regions and subregions of the Western Hemisphere, the report provides reference and linkages to other reports covering the issues in more detail. The importance of the region to the United States has been emphasized by President Bush's trips to Mexico in February 2001 and March 2002 and his trips to Peru and El Salvador in March 2002, and by a number of congressional trips to the region."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2002-12-06
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Legislative Issues in 2001-2002 [Updated June 12, 2002]

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  "This report provides an overview of the major legislative issues Congress dealt with in 2001 and 2002 relating to Latin America and the Caribbean. Organized by the regions and subregions of the Western Hemisphere, the report provides reference and linkages to other reports covering the issues in more detail. The importance of the region to the United States has been emphasized by President Bush's trips to Mexico in February 2001 and March 2002 and his trips to Peru and El Salvador in March 2002, and by a number of congressional trips to the region."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937- . . .

  2002-06-12
• Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors [Updated December 21, 2001]

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  "In April and May 2001, the Bush Administration proposed $882.29 million in FY2002 economic and counter-narcotics assistance, as well as extension of trade preferences and other measures, for Colombia and regional neighbors in an initiative called the 'Andean Regional Initiative' (ARI). Critics of the Andean Regional Initiative argue that it is a continuation of what they regard as the misguided approach of last year's Plan Colombia, with an overemphasis on military and counter-drug assistance, and with inadequate support for human rights and the peace process in Colombia. Supporters argue that it continues needed assistance to Colombia, while providing more support for regional neighbors and social and economic programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-; Serafino, Nina M.

  2001-12-21
• Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors [Updated December 14, 2001]

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  "In April and May 2001, the Bush Administration proposed $882.29 million in FY2002 economic and counter-narcotics assistance, as well as extension of trade preferences and other measures, for Colombia and regional neighbors in an initiative called the 'Andean Regional Initiative' (ARI). Critics of the Andean Regional Initiative argue that it is a continuation of what they regard as the misguided approach of last year's Plan Colombia, with an overemphasis on military and counter-drug assistance, and with inadequate support for human rights and the peace process in Colombia. Supporters argue that it continues needed assistance to Colombia, while providing more support for regional neighbors and social and economic programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Serafino, Nina M.; Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2001-12-14
• Consular Identification Cards: Domestic and Foreign Policy Implications, the Mexican Case, and Related Legislation [Updated March 31, 2005]

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  "The current debate about consular identification cards in the United States has centered around the matrícula consular, the consular identification card issued by Mexican consulates to Mexican citizens in the United States. In May 2003, the Treasury Department issued regulations allowing acceptance of the cards as proof of identity for the purpose of opening a bank account, and the cards are accepted for other purposes as well, including issuance of drivers licenses. Consular identification cards raise issues for domestic policy and foreign policy. With respect to domestic policy, supporters argue that acceptance of the cards is necessary in a post-September 11, 2001 America, where photo identification is required to conduct daily business. They maintain that the card is a secure and fraud-resistant document that improves security and brings people into the open financial community where transactions can be monitored more easily. Opponents argue that the cards are not secure and are needed only by aliens who are illegally present in the United States and serve to undermine U.S. immigration policy. In the area of foreign policy, supporters maintain that U.S. acceptance of the cards has improved bilateral relations with an important neighboring country. They argue that the cards help U.S. officials to notify consulates of the detention of foreign nationals and improve the likelihood that U.S. citizens will have the benefit of consular notification. Opponents contend that regulation of the cards is necessary to reinforce immigration policy and to defend against terrorism."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bruno, Andorra; Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2005-03-31
• Consular Identification Cards: Domestic and Foreign Policy Implications, the Mexican Case, and Related Legislation [Updated September 30, 2003]

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  "The current debate about consular identification cards in the United States has centered around the matrícula consular, the consular card issued by the Mexican government to its citizens in the United States when they register with a consulate. For this reason, this report focuses mainly on the Mexican matrícula consular. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Mexico redesigned and added new features to the matrícula consular to make it a more useful and secure document. In recent years, and especially since September 2001, Mexican consulates in the United States and other interested parties have worked to gain acceptance of the matrícula consular as identification for a variety of purposes, with considerable success. A U.S. federal government interagency working group is in the process of developing recommendations for a federal policy on acceptance of consular identification cards and guidance to state and local government agencies and other entities on acceptance. The matrícula consular raises a number of controversial questions for U.S. domestic and foreign policy. With respect to domestic policy, supporters argue that acceptance of the card is necessary in a post-September 11, 2001 America, where photo identification is required to conduct daily business. They maintain that the card is a secure, reliable, fraud-resistant document that improves public safety and homeland security. Opponents argue that the matrícula consular is needed only by aliens who are illegally present in the United States and serves to undermine U.S. immigration law. They assert that the card is not secure and that its acceptance threatens public safety and homeland security."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bruno, Andorra; Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2003-09-30
• Mexico-United States Dialogue on Migration and Border Issues, 2001-2005 [Updated November 30, 2005]

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  "This report, which will be updated periodically, focuses on the interactions between Mexico and the United States on migration and border issues during the administrations of President George W. Bush and President Vicente Fox of Mexico. The discussions and agreements fall into four areas: (1) the bilateral migration talks, (2) the Partnership for Prosperity, (3) the Border Partnership Agreement, and (4) the trilateral 'Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) of North America.' The bilateral migration talks began in 2001 with Cabinet-level working groups seeking to reach agreement on border safety, a temporary worker program, and the status of undocumented Mexicans. The talks stalled, however, following the terrorist attacks upon the United States and increased concerns with border security. President Bush called for a temporary worker program in January 2004 and February 2005, and similar legislative proposals are pending. In May 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act of 2005, with provisions that strengthen border control and establish identity card standards for drivers licenses. In late November 2005, President Bush called for a guest worker program in the context of enhanced border control, drawing upon congressionally approved appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security, while Mexico called for shared responsibility approaches."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2005-11-30
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated January 24, 2006]

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  "The Latin America and Caribbean region has made enormous strides over the past two decades in terms of political and economic development. While the region overall experienced an economic setback in 2002-2003, by the end of 2004, it had rebounded with an estimated growth rate of nearly 6% for the year, surpassing even the most optimistic predictions. Nevertheless, several nations face considerable challenges that could threaten political stability, including persistent poverty, violent guerrilla conflicts, autocratic leaders, drug trafficking, and increasing crime. Legislative and oversight attention to Latin America and the Caribbean in the 109th Congress has focused on continued counter-narcotics efforts, especially in the Andean region; trade issues, including consideration of several free trade agreements (FTAs); threats to democracy in such nations as Haiti and Venezuela; and efforts to foster political change in Cuba. Congress also has maintained an active interest in neighboring Mexico, focusing especially on border security and migration issues. Since 2000, the Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) has been the primary U.S. program supporting the Colombian governments efforts to combat drug trafficking and terrorist activity perpetrated by guerrilla and paramilitary groups. The 109th Congress approved the Administrations request to continue ACI funding in FY2006 at approximately the same levels as in previous years."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2005-11-16
• Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated January 20, 2006]

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  "The United States and Mexico have a special relationship as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The friendly relationship has been strengthened by President Bush's meetings with President Fox. This report, covering trade, migration/border, drug trafficking, and political issues, will be updated on a regular basis, with action on migration issues expected."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2006-01-20
• Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated August 4, 2005]

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  "On June 27, 2005, Secretary of Homeland Security Chertoff and Secretary of Commerce Gutierrez met with their Canadian and Mexican counterparts in Ottawa, Canada, and released a Report to Leaders with initial results and proposed initiatives for the future under the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) of North America. On July 3, 2005, in an important gubernatorial election in the populous state of Mexico, PRI candidate Enrique Pea won with 48% of the vote, while the PAN candidate received 25%, and the PRD candidate received 24%, although the losing parties claimed that PRI campaign expenses exceeded the legal limits. On July 29, 2005, U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza announced that the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo would be closed for a week to assess security conditions in the wake of continuing violence in the border city. On August 2, 2005, President Fox called for a strengthening of 'Operation Safe Mexico,' under which Mexican federal police and military forces have reinforced state forces in key border areas."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-

  2005-08-04