Quote Originally Posted by Scurvy
You can hardly blame the mexicans for the state of mexico, its a naturally poor country with bad weather etc. + when a country starts going bad, its hard to avoid getting caught in a downwards spiral - My history isn't very good, but i think America occupied some of the best bits of mexico when it was created...
Actually this is incorrect. Mexico has an abundent oil and natural gas potential and industry. Plus it has some good argiculture land and some other natural resources. Its political system however is very corrupt

When the United States gained its independence Mexico was still under the thump of Spain. Mexico repelled against Spain around 1820. The Texans revolted against Mexico in the 1830's. Now many Texas were actually immigrants from the United States into Mexico, but a significant portion of the Texan rebellion consistent of Mexican's upset with the breaking of the 1824 Constitution of Mexico. The United States then fought a war with Mexico where in the negotation for a peace treaty Mexico sold the rights to what is now New Mexico, Arizona, California, Parts of Nevada, Utah, and Colorado to the United States for a payment of gold. So in essence the occupied best parts when created is false on both accounts.


+ If there are so many mexicans in America then why is the standard of living still far greater?
Simple because they have the advantage of the United States system. Which is significantly better then the governmental system in Mexico

More seriously, what would an entirely open border count as, (i find it quite an unusual term) - and what effect would it have - if half the politicians (dems) want it then it must have some advantages
The advantage is in the votes to maintain power in the government. An open border exists between the United States, Canada, and Mexico already in the aspects of the NAFTA. Trade is allowed to go back and forth with minimumal constraints. Immigrantion however should be controlled in some way, legal immigrantions is always a good thing - however illegal immigrantions violates the laws of the nation. You ever asked yourself why Mexico will severly punish illegal immigrants into their nation - but activitily pursue policies that pushes illegal immigrantion to the north?