Mexico works to distance itself from boycott for immigrant rights

[Flabbergasted]

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/world/14461682.htm

BY HUGH DELLIOS
Chicago Tribune
MEXICO CITY - After months of criticism that it has meddled in the U.S. debate over immigration, Mexico is trying to distance itself from Monday's planned economic boycott by immigrants across the United States.

President Vicente Fox's government flew more than 30 immigrant activists from the U.S. to Mexico City on Tuesday to tell them it neither supported nor opposed the boycott. But the message interpreted by many activists was that Mexico fears the boycott could be counterproductive.

Proponents have dubbed the proposed work and school boycott the "Day Without Immigrants."

Despite a history of sensitivity about U.S. interference in their affairs, Mexican officials have in recent weeks criticized the harshest U.S. proposals to restrict illegal immigration, lobbied Congress for pro-immigrant reforms and defended activists' right to protest in Los Angeles, Chicago and other cities.