Mexico's Top Diplomat Prepares for Possible Influx of DACA Recipients

Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Relations Luis Videgaray Caso says it’s really quite simple why he came to California first before heading to Washington, D.C.

“We share a lot of culture, history, and many Californians even share our language. But beyond that we share values,” he says.

Videgaray met with Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders in Sacramento on Monday to discuss trade, climate change and the fate of DACA recipients.

He said Mexico’s economy would be "blessed" to receive so many talented and educated young people -- but that who stands to benefit the most is not the issue.

"What's important here is what do these young people want," Videgaray says. "These young people -- and we’ve talked to many of them across the whole country -- want to stay in America."

He says the Mexican government, however, is figuring out how to absorb them if they do return.

For example, tweaking education policies so U.S. coursework is transferable to Mexican schools, and looking for ways U.S.-trained workers can contribute to the labor force.

“We are preparing ourselves. We don’t expect this to be immediate. Hopefully it doesn’t happen at all,” he says.

Videgaray heads to Washington, D.C. later this week to urge Congressional leaders to offer permanent immigration protections for DACA recipients.