[hedgetrimmer]

For your research files.

[nicmarlo]

Sound familiar? (looks like everything's going according to "plan"):

Following the November 9 U.S.-Mexico Binational Commission meeting in Mexico City, Mexico, Secretary of State Colin Powell and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced that immigration reform with Mexico would be a high priority during the Bush administration's second term.

Noriega said that an immigration accord with Mexico not only makes economic sense, but is also the "humane and just thing do."

He said the White House commitment to advancing an accord is in place, and progress will depend on congressional consultations. "We will work with the U.S. Congress to see how ambitious we can be and how quickly we can move," Noriega said.

The State Department official said the United States will also work with Mexico, as well as Canada, to explore ways to break down barriers to commerce.