Apr 15, 2010

Michelle Obama: 'Immigration reform is necessary'

09:29 AM
By OMAR TORRES

Wrapping up her first solo foreign trip, first lady Michelle Obama said in Mexico that changes to the immigration system are necessary, but will be politically difficult.

"It's not enough that the president wants it," Mrs. Obama told CNN in an interview. "We need Republicans and Democrats to support it, as well."

President Obama will continue pushing for major changes to the immigration system because the current one is creating problems on both sides of the border.

"We're seeing young children who are trying to cross the border just to reconnect with their parents, and their lives are in danger," Mrs. Obama said. "They're put in precarious situations. And a strong immigration reform policy would help alleviate some of those challenges."

The first lady also said the U.S. should work to reduce its demands for illegal narcotics because it would help Mexico with its drug wars.

Mrs. Obama also spoke with ABC News during her trip.

Mrs. Obama returns to the U.S. today -- to San Diego, for a child obesity event -- completing a foreign trip that began Tuesday with a surprise stop in Haiti to tour earthquake damage.

In Mexico, she visited (and danced) with elementary school children, and gave a speech to college students. She also met with Mexican counterpart Margarita Zavala, as well as President Felipe Calderon.

In her college speech, Mrs. Obama said she would focus her foreign agenda on young people. "All you have to do is believe in yourself," she said.

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