4. US-Mexico Relations: A Candid Conversation with Eddie Aldrete

Eddie Aldrete was just living his life in a suburban part of Washington DC, but he unexpectedly found himself at the forefront of bridging the US-Mexico relations. His career has taken him on a journey of advocating for a more inclusive and economically prosperous future, earning him respect from both sides of the border. What impact will Eddie's unique perspective have on the future of US-Mexico relations?

In this episode of big city small town with Bob Rivard, we will:

• Delve into the complexities of US-Mexico relations, focusing on immigration, border security, and economic possibilities.

• Discover the strategies to reinforce San Antonio's cross-border business partnerships for enhanced economic growth.

• Uncover the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with local charter reform initiatives.

• Get an insider's look at Eddie Aldrete's new podcast, Beyond the Bite, and the exploration of the intersection between politics and business.

• Analyze the influence of Proposition A on policing policies and crime rates in San Antonio.

Eddie Aldrete is well-known for his deep understanding of the intricate US-Mexico relationship, providing valuable insight on cross-border trade, immigration, and border security. With over 16 years of experience as a Senior Vice President for Laredo-based International Bank of Commerce, Eddie has been a trusted advisor to government and business leaders in both countries. He has also served as the Chairman of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the National Immigration Forum. Eddie's background in journalism and his pro-business centrist views have made him an in-demand communications consultant in Texas business circles.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Establish a more comprehensive and functional immigration reform system that addresses the resumption of skilled workers obtaining visas and creates a more orderly system for asylum seekers.

• Assign U.S. embassies abroad to handle asylum seekers in their home countries to prevent the dangerous and life-threatening journeys to the U.S. border.

• Focus on the root of the immigration problem by working with countries of origin to address crime, corruption, and lack of economic opportunity.

• Renew and maintain the relationship between San Antonio and the Mexican government, regardless of political differences, to ensure continued collaboration and success for both cities and states.

• Move offshore jobs from Asia to Mexico and Central America to address supply chain issues, stop underwriting China's militaristic growth, and contribute to a solution to the waves of immigrants at the U.S. border.

• Invest in collaborative startup communities like Geekdom in San Antonio to support entrepreneurs and help startups launch, creating job opportunities and generating revenue for the city.

• Visit www.geekdom.com to arrange a visit to the collaborative startup community in San Antonio and explore the opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups to grow and succeed.

San Antonio's Relationship with Mexico
San Antonio has a rich history when it comes to its connection with Mexico. This connection dates back to the time before Mexico was even established as a country, when San Antonio was a part of New Spain. Over the years, the city has cultivated its bonds with Mexico through business, political, and cultural interactions. This has given rise to a special relationship, which is vital to the economic and social growth of the region, as well as providing a way for both nations to resolve their key concerns. In the podcast, Eddie Aldrete talks about the significance of San Antonio's relationship with Mexico and the need to rekindle the exchange of ideas and experiences. In the past, San Antonio mayors would visit Mexico through the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's annual trips to meet with the Mexican president, thus building stronger ties between the two nations. Aldrete believes that resuming these trips would help in enhancing the existing bond and open more doors for collaboration on various fronts.