Institute of Politics

IOP Pritzker Fellow Katie Tobin on "Mexico: Our Most Important Migration Partner- How This Bilateral Relationship Was Strengthened Under Presidents Biden & Lopez Obrador & What the Future Holds" THIS SEMINAR IS OPEN TO CURRENT UCHICAGO STUDENTS ONLY Wednesday, October 30 12:30-1:45pm In 2023, I traveled to Mexico eight times on behalf of the White House, including the historic trip with Secretary Blinken during the Christmas holiday. This underscores just how important Mexico is as a partner to the Biden Administration on migration. The media often frames the relationship as transactional and suggests that we are pressuring Mexico to do our dirty work. That is far from my experience. As our lead negotiator with Mexico on migration, I found them to be a true partner and emerging leader in the region. Together, we launched creative new initiatives to manage the flow, like the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan Program and a new partnership in Central America on root causes. Both of our countries have had to step up enforcement as well. This seminar will look at how the Biden Administration approached its relationship with Mexico on migration and how presidential elections in both of our countries this year will impact the future of our partnership. Special Guest: Roberto Velasco Álvarez, Head of the North American Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico & University of Chicago Alum (MPP) Pritzker Fellows seminars are off the record and open to current UChicago students only. Seating in the IOP Living Room is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Sarah Palmisciano (spalmisciano@uchicago.edu).