Getting ahead of the curve?

Mexico is one of two countries that "bear consideration for a rapid and sudden collapse," according to a report by the U.S. Joint Forces Command on worldwide security threats.

The command's "Joint Operating Environment (JOE 2008)" report, which contains projections of global threats and potential next wars, puts Pakistan on the same level as Mexico. "In terms of worse-case scenarios for the Joint Force and indeed the world, two large and important states bear consideration for a rapid and sudden collapse: Pakistan and Mexico.

The drug wars are threatening to tear Mexico apart and that is certainly not welcome news for our country, particularly for areas close to the border with Mexico.

And why do we have a feeling, this situation is ripe for some political shenanigans here in our own country?

We’re calling our shot early: President Calderon of Mexico will use the current crisis in Mexico as across-the-board justification for the continuation of illegal immigration and the powers that be here will be more than welcome to employ the “human tragedy” angle for the same purpose.

Here’s the definition of refugee, according to the U.S. State Department’s website:

In general, a refugee is a person who has crossed an international border and is unwilling or unable to return home because of past persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

What sort political sleight of hand would it take for the traditional definition to also include “safety of life and limb” due to the extraordinary circumstances as currently exists in Mexico?

Seems like a messy fight regarding comprehensive immigration reform legislation could be avoided here, doesn't it?