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American Morning

U.S. Government Disturbed by Mexican 'Survival Kits'

Aired May 23, 2001 - 10:25   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: In this country, border officials say they're unhappy about new so-called survival kits. The Mexican government is giving those kit to Mexican workers who may try to enter the United States illegally. Thousands of Mexicans try to make the crossing every year, sometimes with fatal results.

More on that story now from CNN's Mexico City bureau chief Harris Whitbeck.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Last year, 369 people died trying to make it into the U.S. by struggling across the swirling rivers and scorching deserts that constitute the U.S.-Mexico border. So, the Mexican government says it wants to do more to help the thousands who make the journey every year.

JUAN HERNANDEZ, OFFICE OF MIGRANT AFFAIRS: We know their health issues, we know their education issues. We understand.

WHITBECK: But one of the first Mexican government initiatives has rapidly become a diplomatic issue. The government plans to give survival kits to would-be migrants. The kits, put together by the Mexican Social Security Administration, include antidotes for snake bites, rehydration tables and first aid materials.

Starting June 15, some 200,000 kits will be distributed by health workers along the border. The plan has officials from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service less than happy.

HIPOLITO ACOSTA, DISTRICT DIRECTOR, INS: In sending out that signal, gives the perception to our U.S. public that the Mexican government is encouraging people to break U.S. laws by entering the country illegally.

WHITBECK: Mexican officials insist that is not the case.

HERNANDEZ: It is no way designed specifically to help Mexicans go into the United States illegally.

WHITBECK: Mexico argues it needs to do more for the tens of thousands who attempt the dangerous crossing each year because they contribute to the economy's on both sides of the border. HERNANDEZ: They are new pioneers of America. These are individuals who are not second-class citizens and they're working very hard.

WHITBECK: The U.S. says would hope for a different approach.

(on camera): U.S. diplomats say they would prefer to see Mexico do more to worn would-be migrants of the dangers of illegal crossings, and to intensify crackdowns on coyotes, migrant smugglers. Mexico says it is doing what is right, taking care of its own.

Harris Whitbeck, CNN, Mexico City.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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