Focus Mexico / Enfoque México David R. Ayón Allert Brown-Gort Rafael Fernández de Castro

1. The Politics of Mexican-Origin Leaders:Implications for 2008 & BeyondWednesday July 23, 2008Woodrow Wilson Center – Mexico InstituteWashington, DC Focus Mexico / Enfoque MéxicoDavid R. Ayón Allert Brown-Gort Rafael Fernández de Castro L. Manuel García y Griego

2. Focus Mexico / Enfoque México Center for the Study of Los Angeles Loyola Marymount University Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Institute for Latino StudiesUniversity of Notre Dame SHRI – University of New Mexico

3. Two Strategies • Hispanic/Latino • Mexican-Binational

4. Historical Evolution: Two Strategies& Two Networks • A. Becoming Latino → Historic and on-going process • • Territorial minority post-1848 • • Second generation +, successive waves of immigration • B. Remaining Mexican → Recurring, episodic process • • Each new large wave of Mexican immigrants • • Attitude of Mexican govt to emigrants/diaspora

5. A. Becoming Latino • Early status: Territorial minority, distancing from Mexico • Later status: U.S. ethnic group similar to Irish-Americans, German-Americans, Chinese Americans • Goals: political and socioeconomic empowerment, national representation • Issues: protecting land grants, voting rights, civil rights, desegregation, jobs, education, immigration reform • Language & national identity: English, sometimes exaggerated sense of American patriotism, pan-ethnicity

7. B. Remaining Mexican • Early status: Immigrants in Texas, California, close association with Mexico • Later status: Transnational migrantes, often associated with HTAs and CC-IME • Goals: Maintaining connection with Mexico - Cultural practices - Supporting Mexico - Promoting hometown development - Lobbying Mexican govt • Activities/issues:Fiestas patrias, Juntas Patrióticas, 3 x 1, Voto exterior, U.S. immigration reform • Language & national identity: Spanish, remaining Mexican, links to Mexican Consulates, other govt offices

9. Fig. 3:Migrante and U.S.-born Mexican Americans (18+) 2006 Mexican-born

10. “LA Model” • Bifurcated leadership networks • Low crossover • Few migrante politicians – Latinos rule • Few migrante-led institutions • “Chicago Model” • Low bifurcation, high crossover • Notable migrante elected officials • Major Migrante – led institutions • Alternative strategies & higher ‘Mexicanness’

11. Preliminary Explanations

12. Attitudes & Priorities: Differences • Migrante Criticisms of Latinos • Differences on Immigration • Advocacy vs. Services • Mexican Organizational Separatism

13. Shared Attitudes & Priorities • Similarities on Immigration • Education Top Priority • Obstacles to Mexico Relationship • Mexican Government Attitude

14. Changing Attitudes • Hispanic/Latino Identity • Pro-Mexico Lobby • Guest Worker Program • National “Mexican” Organization

15. Possible Directions Mexican-binational strategy:transitional or here to stay? Spread of the Chicago Model?

16. Political Implications Hillary & Latinos / Obama & migrantes Continued role of Mexican government Political competition and integration