Manuel de Mier y Terán, a Mexican general and inspector of the eastern provinces, recommended stopping American immigration to Texas in response to growing concerns about the increasing influence and dominance of Anglo-American settlers in the region. His suggestions were rooted in several key issues:
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Demographic Concerns: Mier y Terán observed that the Anglo-American population in Texas was rapidly increasing and outnumbering the Mexican settlers. He feared that this demographic shift could lead to challenges in maintaining control over the territory and preserving Mexican sovereignty.
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Cultural and Political Integration: He noted that many Anglo settlers brought with them different cultural, social, and political values that were often at odds with Mexican laws and customs. The growing American population posed a threat to the Mexican way of life and governance in Texas.
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Economic Factors: American settlers were economically independent and often resistant to Mexican regulations. This created a rift between the settlers and the Mexican government, exacerbating tensions over land ownership, taxation, and trade.
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Political Instability: Mier y Terán's observations were made amid rising tensions between the Mexican government and its Texan settlers, particularly after the events leading to the Texas Revolution. He believed that halting further immigration could help stabilize the region and prevent further insurrection.
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Recommendations for Control: Mier y Terán also proposed measures to strengthen the Mexican presence and influence in Texas, including the establishment of more military posts and encouraging Mexican settlers to move to the region to counterbalance the Anglo-American population.
Overall, his suggestions were a reflection of the growing anxieties within the Mexican government about the sustainability of their control over Texas in light of increasing American immigration and cultural influence.