(The Americas Press Agency, March 29, 2006) - Thousands of Americans residents in Mexico marched on Mexico City; and hundreds more marched on other Latin American capitals to protest what they perceive to be the unfair treatment they have been receiving in those countries.

“We cannot work here”, complained John Smith, a resident of Tijuana. “They tell me: “Mexico is supposed to be for Mexicans.” “I have applied for many jobs here, at restaurants, and also at factories. I have run out of my savings and explained to them that I had a family to feed. They were laughing at me and showed me the door. They said that non-citizens were not eligible to work here. “You are not a Mexican”, they said. The owner of the factory got angry at me and screamed on top of his voice- “Yankee, go home”!

Jane Johnson, a long time resident in San Juan Costa Rica, has lost her job with the American company where she had been working for the past four years. She had been trying to find work with the local company, but was told that “All the opportunities in our country are for Ticos (Costa Ricans)”, and that “Americans are not eligible to work here”, “We do not hire foreigners!” “What will I do?” complained Jane, “I have no money and I must go back to my country. These people are racist. They won’t give me a job. Not even one of them”.

Steven Jefferson, a resident in Guatemala City has complained that when he went to the local hospital he was not able to get free treatment there. “They said that I actually had to pay for the medical exam. That is preposterous! I deserve free medical treatment! And how come nobody speaks English here and there are no signs and brochures in English? English is the language of the world! How come these people do not speak it?”

Writer David Kessel