r civil and political rights; and encouraging an open civil society contributes to fulfillment of the right to peaceful assembly and association (UNDP 2000). This would suggest societies who function under a democracy will rank higher on the Human Development Index (HDI). Human development and human rights share a common vision and a common purpose, to secure the freedom, well being, and dignity of all people everywhere. The HDI ranks countries on the average achievements in three basic dimensions of human development, a long and healthy life, knowledge and a decent standard of living. The United States is ranked three and Mexico is ranked 55. The difference is reflected by the standard of living in the two countries. This is an important factor when considering the merging economies along the border. Both countries are functioning democracies yet Mexico isn’t included the high developing countries. Some democracies can harm human rights; they tend to be countries who are in the transition to democracy. Although Mexico has been a democracy for almost three-quarters of a century, they face the same problems of promoting human rights that countries in transition do. One of the challenges facing Mexico is the weakness in arbitrary exercise of power; elected governments frequently lose legitimacy and popular support when they behave in an authoritarian manner. When elite groups act as if they are above the law or when elected representatives arbitrarily remove judges, civil servants and others, faith in democratic institutions weakens. Neglecting the economic dimension of human rights weakens the democracy; failing to address the economic and social rights of significant groups, typically because the neglect does not hurt the electoral outcomes for those in power. Failing to protect and promote human rights seriously effects citizens in Mexico. Focusing now on the INS and Border Patrol it is important to look at the goa...
