Mexico’s leader discusses migrants
In his first visit to California as president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon told the Legislature on Wednesday that immigration “carries off the best among us,” and he vowed to create the economic conditions that would allow Mexicans to find well-paid work in their own country.
Calderon drew applause, particularly from Republican legislators, when he said, “While my government is committed to protecting the rights of all Mexicans, including those living beyond our borders, we are taking great efforts to ensure that in the future no Mexican needs to leave our country to find job opportunities elsewhere.”
He reminded legislators that Mexico was the main destination of California exports, and he cited the bracero program of the 1940s through the 1960s as one that met both countries’ needs.
“We need to make migration legal, safe and organized,” said Calderon, who also met with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The two signed an agreement to jointly fight climate change and discussed boosting trade, improving infrastructure and combating drug trafficking.
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-- Nancy Vogel
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