Mexican president tells U.S. governors: migration inevitable, natural

By: MARK STEVENSON - Associated Press

PUERTO PENASCO, Mexico -- President Felipe Calderon told U.S. governors Thursday that immigration is an inevitable, natural phenomenon and he urged the U.S. Congress to approve reforms that would allow more Mexicans to work legally north of the border.

Calderon demanded that the United States respect "the right to work wherever one can make the greatest contribution."

"Immigration is a natural phenomenon that is economically and socially inevitable," he told the meeting in this seaside resort.


In a rare acknowledgment of the costs of migration for Mexico, Calderon said his country "doesn't not celebrate migration ... our best people are the ones who go."

Immigration and border security were among the top issues at the meeting, the 25th annual such event between Mexican and U.S. governors from states along the two countries' common border.

Mexican officials were focused on stopping the illegal flow of U.S. weapons into Mexico and protesting expansion of U.S. border fencing. For the Americans, the drug trade, migration and border security topped the list.

On Monday, the U.S. government announced plans to erect about 370 miles of fencing and 200 miles of vehicle barriers by the end of 2008.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has opposed the border fencing, praised Mexico and its cooperation with its northern neighbor.

"The relationship has become stronger and stronger each year," he said. "We have become more than just good neighbors. We have become great friends."

Describing his many visits to Mexico since his first one 40 years ago, Schwarzenegger lifted a line from his movie "Terminator," quipping, "I always look forward to saying, 'I'll be back."'

Eduardo Bours, governor of the border state of Sonora, called for more border crossings, saying those that exist between Arizona and Sonora are saturated.

"There are lines of three, four and five hours, and so we have to invest much more in border crossings," he said.

While all six Mexican border-state governors were scheduled to attend, two out of four U.S. governors were not coming. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Texas Gov. Rick Perry did not attend.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/09 ... ogcomments

Add Your Comments or Letter to the Editor


http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/09 ... ogcomments