CAFTA is the dawn of a new era in profitable trade! CAFTA is the end of civilization as we know it! Everything between these extremes has been rolled out to persuade Americans to demand support or defeat of the Central American Free Trade Agreement. CAFTA has been called everything from a "sweet deal for big sugar" to "the American way." Passed by the Senate, it is sure to be a contentious issue in the House.
CAFTA would create a free-trade zone by eliminating most tariffs and other trade barriers between the United States and six Central American countries. Proponents of CAFTA say it will boost trade, decrease illegal immigration, stabilize Central American governments, and reduce the $2.3 billion U.S. trade deficit with the region. Opponents argue that it will cost jobs in the United States, impinge on workers' rights in the region, and do little to close the trade gap.