Briefcase: Houston’s Role In U.S. Mexico Relations

Proposed changes to NAFTA have many texans thinking about their southern border.

Professor Alfonso Lopez de la Osa Escribano, who is Director of the Center for U.S. and Mexican Law at The University of Houston Law Center, explains how Houston fits into U.S. Mexico relations.

"The city's close proximity to Mexico and large immigrant population make it a significant point of entry for Latin-America," Professor Lopez de la Osa said. "Houston has an important role to play in discussions about U.S. and Mexican law."

"Two-thirds of the trade between Mexico and the U.S. lies in Texas with Houston representing $40 billion annually," Lopez de la Osa continued. "Before NAFTA there was a 25% tariff on beef exports. Texas cattlemen and businesses reliant upon immigrant labor can encourage legislative dialogue and empower U.S. decision-makers to create a favorable context and avoid conflict.