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John Daley ReportingThe immigration issue will be leading newscasts and making headlines tomorrow. Vicente Fox is coming for a two-day visit, the first ever for a President of Mexico. The trip shines the spotlight again on the fight over immigration reform.
The debate will be revisited tomorrow evening at the Governor's mansion. Inside, a state dinner with the Governor, President Fox and perhaps 70 others is set to happen. Outside, Utah Minutemen say they'll be protesting.
Alex Segura, Utah Minuteman Project: "We wanted to let Fox, as well as the Governor, know we do not agree with what they're doing."
The visit by Mexican President Vicente Fox comes at a time of unprecedented rancor over immigration. After immigration reform rallies nationwide, a new Bush proposal to send 6,000 National Guard troops to the Mexican border was greeted with concerns from President Fox over militarization of the border.
Those who want more get-tough border measures see the trip as a chance to voice their views to Fox. The leader of the Utah Minuteman says he believes Fox and Governor Huntsman can talk trade, but immigration should be up to President Bush.
Alex Segura, Utah Minuteman Project: "So Huntsman has no authority to be talking about any immigration matters whatsoever with Vicente Fox."
Others see possible protests as a distraction from an otherwise positive meeting.
Tony Yapias, Community Activist: "I hope we can strengthen those ties. I hope we can strengthen our cultural, educational and business relationships with Mexico."
The visit comes as opinions on immigration are beginning to settle, says pollster Dan Jones.
Dan Jones, Pollster: "How polarized people are and the other is the low 'don't know', that they really, really are starting to take a position."
Some see the visit as a good opportunity for middle ground in the midst of heated debate.
Kirk Jowers, Hinckley Institute of Politics: "It's symbolic, but more than that it's substantive, because it brings this issue and his perspective, President Fox's perspective at a crucial time, when sometimes it's getting drowned out."
In a change of plan, there will be no opportunity for the media to ask questions of President Fox. The governor's office says that decision comes from the office of the Mexican President. Perhaps it's an indication of the political sensitivity of this issue, both in Mexico City and Washington.
