An old war haunts a new debate between Mexico, United States

By John Rice
ASSOCIATED PRESS

MEXICO CITY – More than 1 million migrants flood into the United States each year across a border cutting straight through what once was Mexican territory, a touch of history that haunts the immigration debate 158 years after the land changed hands.

The territory north of today's 1,952-mile border – half of Mexico at the time – was ripped away in 1848 after a U.S. invasion that ended with the capture of “the halls of Montezuma,” Mexico City itself.

Ulysses S. Grant, who took part, called the invasion “the most unjust war ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation.”

The loss changed Mexico's destiny and still tears at the country's heart. Primary school textbooks harp on it. Intellectuals often refer to it. Museums are dedicated to it.