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
Inaction, while not good, would be preferable to the amnesty plans.
I would be willing to consider any proposal, if we would just shut down the incredible flow.
It will get worse as the masses hear the wonderful words of "amnesty"!
Should try to live south of Tucson, AZ. When I lived there there were car-jackings nightly. I guess the illegals didnt realize we use the same word they do for "taxi"
Funny, but I've never once seen a presidential candidate run a campaign centered on his child-rearing skills. You have odd priorities in a candidate. "Man, that guy put his kid up for adoption, I'd better vote for the open-borders guy instead."
Good luck! Will you let me know if you get the same person or the same speech, please, when you get time? Thank you :)
If they were in dire straits before having the child, then abortion is the cowards way out.
"If Michael Peroutka can't even care for his own child, why would anybody vote for the dork for President?"
I don't know the circimstances, but its definatly a good reason not to vote for him. But I'm just saying some here attack people who give children up for adoption, I'm just trying to point out that there are MUCH worse options. Plus foster care is way different than adoption.
I think Boxer and Fienswine will be my Senators until they die.
..no comment...
Yeah. Like my apology to you up the thread, for implying you were a racist.
You never acknowledged it. I'm left to conclude that you didn't accept it, since that was well over an hour ago.
Is that how you wish to proceed?
Thanks for keeping the conversation lowbrow. My point is, who was the reporter talking about, if not the Minutemen; and who did Bush think he was talking about? I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that he just didn't have a clue.
If he can't take care of his own kid, he's unfit to take care of everyone elses.
"If they were in dire straits before having the child, then abortion is the cowards way out."
My point exactly.
Good point. Some are so in love with "winning" that they lose sight of what the results of "winning" are.
Are we really winning when we are implementing our opponent's agenda?
I have no idea what you want.
You are new here.
You talk like you're straight from the Constit. or Libert. parties.
You're a doom and gloomer.
We work around here. On REAL campaigns.
Doesn't matter. Because Republicans don't matter. We've seen what they do, once given the chance. Same old crap.
The GOP is useless and needs to go the way of the Whigs; we sure as hell don't need two Big Stupid Government parties.
Do note the Washington Times doesn't do a complete quote of the President
I'll tell them that I am a concerned citizen and voter and wondering what the future POTUS candidate is doing about securing our borders so I can make my voting decision.
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