Secure border benefits both U.S., Mexico

It's not unusual for a U.S. ambassador to be witness to history. But, as U.S. ambassador to Mexico the last six years, Tony Garza was able to witness - and, some say, help bring about - a historic shift in U.S.-Mexico relations.

And that helps pave the way for President Obama's visit to Mexico this week to meet with President Felipe Calderon.

It wasn't long ago that Mexican government was quick to protest whenever the United States fortified its border. Whether it was a fence or talk about deploying the National Guard, the memory of U.S. troops marching into Mexico City during the Mexican War more than 150 years ago would rush back. Thanks to people like Garza - and, more so, Calderon - it's a new world in Old Mexico.

"One of the things that I'm proudest of is that we now have a far more direct, open and honest dialogue," Garza told me recently. "We've always gotten along. But now, more than any other time, we truly need each other. And, to me, that's the basis of an enduring partnership - both respect and need."

One thing that Calderon needs is - hold on - enhanced security on the border. That helps block drugs and illegal immigrants from getting into the U.S., but guns and drug money from entering Mexico.

I recently visited the Texas-Mexican border, and I can tell you that the locals on both sides of the line resent the fence. They're not pleased that the Obama administration plans to complete the remaining 60 miles of the security barrier approved by Congress.

But in Mexico City, the ice is melting. Mexican officials agree that a porous border is a security threat and see the benefit in both countries scrutinizing who's crossing.

"From the Mexican perspective," Garza said, "I think now more than ever they understand - but perhaps when the (immigration) debate was going on, they didn't appreciate how important it is that we have a safe and secure border."

As they say in Texas, that's something you can hang your hat on. And, to the degree that Garza helped bring about that change by driving that point home to Mexicans, he deserves credit. A former Texas secretary of state and member of the Texas Railroad Commission, Garza is a loyal and longtime "FOW" (Friend of George W. Bush) and a star in GOP politics.

One thing that helped him navigate Mexico's often-choppy diplomatic waters is that he grew up in the border city of Brownsville, Texas. With President Obama set to arrive in Mexico, Garza hopes the relationship between the two countries can become stronger.

One thing that could help Obama be warmly received in Mexico is a reported decision by his administration to push immigration reform this year.

This time, Garza will watch that fight from Texas - and Mexico. He'll be taking up dual residences. His wife, Maria Asunción Aramburuzabala is one of the world's wealthiest women. Garza can expect to be lobbied hard by Republicans to run for Texas governor or U.S. Senate. But, he insists, he is done with politics. Instead, he wants to write, speak, and consult with companies eager to do business in Mexico and Latin America.

You could say Tony Garza has come home. But, it's more accurate to say he never left. As the line goes, home is where the heart is. And this is one man whose heart is in two places.

© 2009, The San Diego Union-Tribune