Posted on 03/30/2006 6:00:20 PM PST by NormsRevenge
CANCUN, Mexico - With Mexican President Vicente Fox at his side, President Bush gave Congress a long-distance push Thursday to open the United States to immigrant workers who have been sneaking across the borders to fill low-paying jobs.
"We don't want people sneaking into our country that are going to do jobs that Americans won't do," Bush said at the end of a private meeting with Fox, where the issue was on top of the agenda. "We want them coming in in an orderly way, which will take pressure off both our borders."
The meeting between the Mexican and U.S. leaders came on the first day of a two-day North American summit that also includes Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Harper, meeting with Bush for the first time since taking office two months ago with the promise of building stronger ties with Washington, said the two countries are moving past their "tension" over Iraq.
Still, he took a combative stance on their long-standing dispute over U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, saying Canada would "pursue all its legal options" if he and Bush can't work out an agreement.
But it was the immigration debate, which has dominated the U.S. Senate this week, that took center stage in talks conducted in a beachfront resort surrounded by bikini-clad spring breakers. A new immigration law could affect as many as 6 million Mexicans living illegally in the United States — about half of all those who are estimated to have sneaked in from other countries seeking new opportunities they can't find at home.
Bush is pushing for a guest worker program that would let foreigners in low-paying jobs stay temporarily, which Fox says is a good first step toward some form of legal status for all Mexican illegal immigrants.
The issue has united the two leaders, whose friendship dates back to Bush's time as Texas governor but was strained over Fox's objections to the war in Iraq. But immigration has divided Bush's Republican party, with business interests who want cheap labor battling conservatives who want a get-tough policy against illegal immigrants.
Fox suggested the issue is largely out of their hands now.
"The matter is in the Congress of the United States and that is where the decision will be made," Fox said. "It is no longer between President Bush and President Fox."
But both leaders were clearly trying to sway the debate.
"I told the president there is a legislative process that's going forward," Bush said. "And that it may look cumbersome to some, but that's how our democracy works."
Bush added, "I'm optimistic that we can get a bill done."
The summit included plenty of time to be neighborly. The three leaders dressed casually in open-collared shirts and strolled together among the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza before sitting down for more intense one-on-one meetings. Fox planned a lavish dinner for his guests.
After spending the morning sightseeing, Bush had a few hours off before the formal meetings began. He used part of the time to work up a sweat in his hotel's gym.
There was tight security despite the fun-loving atmosphere generated by college students who have flocked to Cancun for spring break. Gunboats patrolled the turquoise waters off Bush's spa resort, and fencing kept out all but hotel guests. "I'd like to make sure you work more than you play," Bush joked to reporters.
The trilateral meeting was expected to be Fox's last, since he is set to leave office this year because of term limits. Bush lauded Fox for stabilizing the Mexican economy and improving the net worth of his people.
"That's important for the American economy as well," Bush said. "The more net worth there is in Mexico, the more likely it is the Mexican may be wanting to buy a U.S. product. And vice versa, by the way."
In his meeting with Harper, Bush sought to make the newly elected leader look good at home, making it a point to stress how hard the Canadian leader had pressed him on the softwood lumber issue. Harper "made an emphatic case," Bush said.
"I appreciate his steely resolve to get something done," the president said. "I appreciate your pushing."
But Bush didn't give Harper much of substance, saying only that "my intent is to negotiate in good faith and a timely fashion to resolve this issue."
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On the Net:
U.S. Trade Representative: http://www.ustr.gov
White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov
Fair enough but BUST THEM BIG . Have regular inspections of factories and fields.You get caught with illegals on the payroll it's jail time and lose your business. If we were serious about this all it would happen , Fact is gentlemen the powers that be dont give a flying crap what the American people want . We've all been hijacked . ALL polls show the majorits does not want illegals here and it's being TOTALLY ignored . Bush stabbed all of us in the back .
Thanks, I will definitly call his office tomorrow. Hope this gets out to all concerned!
Very interesting quote. I wasn't aware that we had groups hunting migrants on the border.
Gee .. does this mean we have another Clinton to look forward to
Oh oh .. or how about Russ Feingold .. the coauthor of Campaign Financial Reform
"They could do the child and the rest of us taxpayers a favor by exercising chastity."
Or they could get an abortion, which is favorable?
Unfortunately the Senate and president will probably hold firm too which will result either total inaction (Bush's preference) or a very watered down bill.
If Michael Peroutka can't even care for his own child, why would anybody vote for the dork for President?
He doesn't get to WRITE the question, dimbulb.
He gave away his child?
It's FAR MORE disgusting and far-reaching to see our country sold out from underneath us without our consent by ANY president, but NEVER expected by a Republican president.
I agree, but most people can't think long-term.
Best thing that ever happened was Ford losing in 1976, which led to Reagan in 1980. If we had elected Ford (Mr. RHINO) in '76 - you would have had Kennedy in 1980.
Bush in '88 led to Clinton. We would have been better off with Dukasis in 88, and a real conservative being elected n 92.
Kyl was both great in committee on Monday and on the Senate floor the last couple days.
I think Boxer and Fienswine will be my Senators until they die.
Exactly what is his plan for increasing security? He already took heat in previous budgets for not asking for more border patrol agents.
To deny that Bush is not open border is truly falling for a cult of personality.
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