Presidents of Mexico, U.S. slam Arizona law on undocumented immigrants

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With the president of Mexico at his side, President Obama on Wednesday called for a comprehensive immigration overhaul, and the two leaders lashed out at a new law in Arizona that critics have labeled as anti-immigrant.

The law is Arizona “is a misdirected effort that has raised concerns in both of our countries,” Obama said during a joint news conference.

Obama said he understood the frustrations about a broken immigration system that led to the passage of the law, but he repeated his call for a comprehensive approach similar to the one being discussed by some senators.

“We gave special attention to border matters,” Mexican President Felipe Calderon said of the bilateral discussions he, Obama and their staffs had. Calderon said both sides agreed that that more resources were needed to strengthen security and create a safe border that stopped the flow of drugs, guns and cash.
On immigration, Calderon repeated his opposition to the Arizona law.

“We retain our firm opposition to criminalize immigration,” he said, adding he firmly opposes the Arizona law.

Calderon is in Washington for a day of meetings and a state dinner, the second of the Obama administration.

At the welcoming ceremony, Obama stressed the close relations between the countries
“The United States and Mexico are not simply neighbors, bound by geography and history. We are, by choice, friends and partners. We are bound by our business partners, workers and tourists who fuel our prosperity; by our students and educators who broaden our horizons; and by our men and women in uniform who serve and sacrifice to keep us safe,” Obama said.

-- Michael Muskal
Twitter.com/LATimesmuskal