How to respond to this email (re: the Mexican Constitution and illegal immigration)

[malachibk]

My mother, with whom I incessantly fight about immigration, forwardsd me an email detailing these incredibly ridiculous laws in that country's Constitution regarding illegal immigration (no waterfront property, no voting, no welfare, etc.)

While it's poor, poor logic that leads my mother to conclude that Mexico's draconian laws justify OUR kicking out or arresting all Mexicans who are here illegally, I still want to respond to her with some knowledge. Alas, I haven't read my Mexican Constitution lately -- been meaning to, though.

So is that email true? I was going to post it, but was afraid that someone would accuse me of being a freeper posting Rebup propaganda so I demurred. Let me know if doing so would help...

Thanks

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. Tell them...

if they love the Mexican Constitution so much they can go move to Mexico.

That'll shut them up.

[malachibk]

2. LOL. That'll be my intro

I'm still hoping to figure out if it's true. It'd be so nice to tell her that it's a bunch of crap.

[Jade Fox]

3. Ask her why she blames Mexicans instead of.....

the people here who hire them? That's breaking our country's laws.

[uppityperson]

4. Difficult to say if is true without seeing it. If you want it debunked, better post it.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. I'd start by checking out Mexico's Constitution

Here's the most current translation:

http://historicaltextarchive.com/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=93

and the wikipedia article on the current Mexican Constitution:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Mexico

Closest thing to what your mother's email said that I could find after a quick search was this:
Article 33

"The Federal Executive shall have the exclusive power to compel any foreigner whose remaining he may deem inexpedient to abandon the national territory immediately and without the necessity of previous legal action." It also states: "Foreigners may not in any way participate in the political affairs of the country."<1>

I do think it interesting that this Constitution, adopted in 1917, gave equal pay for men and women, the right to organize, the 8 hour day, and mandatory one day off. ALSO it "places a series of restrictions on priests and ministers of all religions (ineligible to hold public office, to canvas on behalf of political parties or candidates, to inherit from persons other than close blood relatives, etc.)."

These quotes are from the wikipedia article, btw.

[Rydz777]

6. Some years ago I traveled a lot in Mexico, and I know that at

that time, it was illegal for foreigners to buy property near the border (and maybe along the seacoast.) That may have been a statute rather than from the Constitution, and it may have changed to accommodate all the Maquiladores along the border.