A recent poll has shed light on the perceptions of Americans regarding their southern neighbor, Mexico. While many see shared responsibilities between the two nations, especially concerning border security, only a fraction view Mexico as a close ally.
Mexico – U.S. Relations in 2023
- Shared Border Responsibilities: A significant majority of Americans believe that both the U.S. and Mexico should jointly address issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking. However, only 16% view Mexico as a close ally, even though 52% feel the U.S. maintains a friendly relationship with Mexico.
- Survey Details: The poll was conducted by The Pearson Institute at the University of Chicago and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. It involved 1,191 adults from across the U.S.
- Border Governance: 73% of respondents feel that both the U.S. and Mexico should equally prevent illegal narcotics from entering the U.S. Meanwhile, 64% believe that stopping illegal immigration from Mexico is a joint responsibility.
- Organized Crime: 62% think that the primary responsibility to combat organized crime in Mexico lies with the Mexican government. However, 30% believe both nations should share this responsibility equally.
- Political Perspectives: Some U.S. politicians, like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have proposed using the U.S. military against Mexican cartels. Both governments, however, emphasize their close cooperation on shared security challenges.
- Perceptions of Relationship: While only 16% see the U.S. and Mexico as close allies, 52% believe they have a friendly relationship. Interestingly, 62% view the U.S.’s relationship with Canada as that of close allies.
- Mexican Immigrants: 69% of respondents have a favorable view of legal Mexican immigrants in the U.S. However, only 20% view undocumented Mexicans favorably.
- Mexican Culture and Government: Two-thirds of those polled have a positive view of Mexican culture, but only 12% feel the same about the Mexican government, currently led by President López Obrador.
- Engagement with Mexican Culture: Over 80% of respondents interact with people of Mexican heritage in the U.S., and 60% engage with Mexican culture. Those who engage more with the culture tend to have more favorable views.
In Closing
The poll results highlight the complexities of the U.S.-Mexico relationship. While there are shared responsibilities and mutual engagements, perceptions vary widely among Americans. As both nations continue to be intertwined, understanding these perceptions becomes crucial.
Credit: Article summarized from a piece by MND Staff on Mexico News Daily.