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Richard Piatt ReportingPresident Fox: "Mexico does not promote nor support undocumented migration"
Mexico's President, Vicente Fox, says he values his country's relationship with Utah and says his Government is active in finding solutions for illegal immigration. President Fox made those comments to a joint session of the Utah Legislature today.
President Fox was upbeat about the economy, immigration solutions and more while he was here. Legislators liked what they heard. A group of protesters did not.
About 50 protesters shouted at President Fox as he walked with the Governor across the Capitol Plaza. Their message: Say 'no' to illegal immigration.
Deborah Connor, Protester: "Mexican heritage is a rich part of the culture in California, and I'm all for that, but not for those who come in illegally. It's got to stop."
But President Fox got a warm reception, a standing ovation at a joint session of the Utah Legislature. Here, he addressed the one issue everyone expected him to: immigration.
Pres. Vicente Fox: "Both countries must do our share, commit to our obligations in the bilateral management of migration."
On a day when the United State Senate is about to vote on sweeping immigration legislation, President Fox urged for balance in a solution.
Vicente Fox, President of Mexico: "Enforcement-only measures will not solve the challenges posed by the immigration phenomenon."
More than a few lawmakers say they were impressed with Fox's comments, in particular a state senator who takes a keen interest in the issue.
Sen. Curtis Bramble, (R) Provo: "Until the last couple of days, your impression was that the Mexican government was either ignoring it or unwilling to engage in a dialogue. And what we heard today shows that's not true."
Before President Fox left---in a hurry to get to his next destination--he also touched on improving trade relations, selling Mexico's new political climate and thanking Governor Huntsman for hosting him.
Vicente Fox, President of Mexico: "Today, no doubt, we are more friends, more partners than we were before."
According to President Fox and the Governor's staff, there were significant strides made during this visit. It will be interesting to see how things go for him in Washington state and California next.
