Watch this interview with IDS alum Bernado Mendéz Lugo (MP04) about his work as an executive director of the pro-migrant foundation América Sin Muros (America With No Walls). The foundation was started by Mexican entrepeneur Kino Miquirray, who was himself a migrant worker in Texas and both his parents were migrants. 



In the interview Bernado talks about the work that foundation has been doing since he joined in March 2017, following his retirement from the Mexican Foreign Service.

He talks about Central American migration in Mexico, and the recent deal of Mexico with the USA on stopping and slowing down migration on the southern border of Mexico, under heavy pressure from President Trump. President Trump threatened to increase trade tarrifs to Mexican exports to the US if the Mexican government didn't agree to do something to slow down Central American migrants along the south border. The view of América Sin Muros is that Mexico could have done more during the negotiations with US Congress, as they have potential allies of Mexico in US Governors and US firms that buy Mexican exports.

In the interview Bernado also talks about the Cooperation Plan for Development proposed by the Mexican government to provide better jobs and economic development for Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, including southeast Mexico. This plan was presented by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA or CEPAL) Secretary Alicia Bárcena on May 20 2019 to the Mexican president and his cabinet at the National Palace in Mexico City.

Bernado is happy to speak to anyone who is interested in the work of the foundation and updates on Mexico, USA and Central America regarding migration and economic development consulmendez@yahoo.com