US Halts Remittance Tax Plan Amidst Visa Controversy and Drug Deal

**EU Pauses Remittance Tax Plan Amidst Visa Controversy and Drug Negotiation** The United States has paused a proposed 5% tax on remittances sent to Mexico, sparking controversy and raising questions about the timing of other events. Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar recently denounced the unexpected revocation of her and her husband's US visas, adding a layer of complexity to the situation. Adding to the intrigue, the US simultaneously welcomed 17 family members of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. The arrival of El Chapo’s relatives is seen by some as part of an ongoing negotiation, though details remain scarce. The move to halt the remittance tax plan came from Republican members of Congress who opposed the measure. 'This tax violates a long-standing double-taxation agreement between our countries,' said one Republican official. The Mexican government has also expressed concern, with Secretary of the Treasury Edgar Amador highlighting the significant economic impact of remittances on Mexico's economy, stating that remittances reached nearly $65 billion last year, comprising 3.5% of the country's GDP. The Mexican government is now planning a strategy to engage with US officials to prevent the reintroduction of the tax.