Posted on December 23, 2005

Mexican-Americans Feel Slighted by Allyn Hiring

Anabel Marquez, Al Día/Dallas Morning News, Dec. 22, 2005

The hiring of Dallas consultant Rob Allyn by the Mexican government to lead a public relations blitz against tougher U.S. immigration measures was criticized Thursday by at least two North Texas Hispanic leaders.

Carlos Quintanilla, a businessman from Dallas who is active in community issues, called a news conference outside the Mexican Consulate to complain that Mr. Allyn was chosen over a Mexican or a Mexican-American.

“I think that Vicente Fox’s intentions were good, but his choice was erroneous,” Mr. Quintanilla said. “I think a Mexican knows best how our people have suffered and can better convey that message to the American public.”

He suggested that the Mexican government would have been better served by asking Mexican or Mexican-American firms to collectively design a plan to counter plans against illegal immigration — such as U.S. congressional proposals to build a fence at the Mexican border and place more Border Patrol agents there.

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However, he stressed that there are 41.3 million Hispanics in the U.S., and many of them are capable of the task.

“The Mexican government should have worked to provide this opportunity to a Hispanic business. LULAC is always trying to find ways to open the doors for Hispanics; the Mexican government should do the same,” Mr. Flores said.