By Merle David Kellerhals Jr.
Washington — During a state visit by Mexican President Felipe Calderón, President Obama pledged his “deep commitment to working with Congress” to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
“Comprehensive reform means accountability for everybody: government that is accountable for securing the border; businesses being held accountable when they exploit workers; people who break the law by breaching our borders being held accountable by paying taxes and a penalty and getting right with the law before they can earn their citizenship,” Obama said during a May 19 joint press conference with Calderón at the White House.
“For the sake of our shared prosperity and security, we discussed the need for immigration that is orderly and safe, and we acknowledged that both our countries have responsibilities,” Obama said.
Obama said he and Calderón discussed a new state law in Arizona that permits state and local law enforcement officers to question a person’s immigration status if they suspect the person might be in the country illegally. Obama said the law is a “misdirected expression of frustration” over the lack of effort at the national level for reforming the immigration system. The law is being evaluated by federal authorities to determine if it is unconstitutional or violates federal civil rights laws.
Obama said the American people are open to a comprehensive reform approach because it says a number of key things, one of which is that the federal government takes its border-security responsibilities seriously. But creating a more secure border must be done with the cooperation of Mexico, he said.
Calderón said the border between the United States and Mexico is not only a place where the two nations meet, but also a place for commerce, opportunity and development. He pledged that his government would work to strengthen border security.
“Both countries want to have a safe border, a safe border for our people. We agreed upon the urgency to reinforce the actions to stop the flow of drugs, weapons and cash,” Calderón said.
COMPLEX AGENDA
While Obama and Calderón have met nearly a dozen times since early 2009, this state visit is only the fourth bilateral meeting between the two leaders. The agenda for this visit is as complex as it is intense, according to a senior National Security Council official briefing on the nature of their talks.
Immigration issues were expected to highlight their talks, but they also discussed economic development and competitiveness, clean energy cooperation, safety and security, cooperation on hemispheric and global issues from Honduras to Haiti to Iran, and the Group of 20 (G20) major economies summit in Toronto in late June.
Mexico hosts the next round of global climate change talks November 29–December 10 in Cancún. Calderón has been working to make Mexico a leader in combating climate change.
“To create clean energy jobs and industries of the future, we’re building on a partnership we launched last year with new initiatives to promote regional renewable energy markets, green buildings and smart-grid technology,” Obama said. This will help the United States and Mexico achieve commitments made at the international climate change conference in December 2009.
“As a leader in cutting greenhouse gas emissions and in helping developing countries do the same, Mexico’s leadership under President Calderón has been and will be critical,” Obama added.
Obama and Calderón also pledged to streamline business regulations and strengthen protection of intellectual property. The two leaders agreed to continue working with the G20 nations to encourage global economic growth that is balanced and sustainable.
“As the United States works to increase our exports, and the jobs that come with it, we’ll be working closely with our partners in Mexico, which is one of the largest markets for American exports,” Obama said.
Calderón said that as the economic crisis passes, it opens a window of opportunity for the United States and Canada, working with Mexico, to reposition themselves as a vigorous economic region that is competitive, prosperous and capable of generating more and better jobs — and a region that is attractive for investments, trade and tourism.
“Together, we should increase our exporting capacity in a contest of growing competitiveness among different regions of the world,” Calderón said.
Obama reaffirmed his commitment to stand with Calderón and his government as they confront illegal-drug cartels that have been responsible for substantial violence in Mexico. The United States has increased law enforcement pressure on the U.S. side of the border against elements that engage in trafficking of illegal weapons, drugs and people, Obama said.
“We’re working to stem the southbound flow of American guns and money, which is why, for the first time, we are now screening 100 percent of southbound rail cargo,” Obama said. “And guided by our new National Drug Control Strategy, we’re bringing new approaches to reducing the demand for drugs in our country.”
