US president Barack Obama pushed for sweeping changes in immigration policy today, as Mexican president Felipe Calderon complained that a harsh new Arizona law discriminates against foreign-born workers.
Immigration, a traditional sticking point in the neighbouring countries' relationship, became the focus of Mr Calderon's Washington visit when the border state passed the law requiring police to check the immigration status of anyone they suspect is in the US illegally.
The Arizona law has been criticized as discriminatory and Mr Calderon, who had promised to bring it up in Washington, jumped into the controversy in his first formal remarks of the two-day state visit.
Despite their "significant contribution to the economy and society of the United States," Mr Calderon said many immigrant workers "live in the shadows, and at times, as in Arizona, confront patterns of discrimination."
Mr Obama said the Arizona law underscored the need for comprehensive immigration reform and reflects US frustrations, which he shares, with current law.
"In the United States of America, no law-abiding person -- be they an American citizen, a legal immigrant, or a visitor or tourist from Mexico -- should ever be subject to suspicion simply because of what they look like," Mr Obama said.
There are millions of Mexican-Americans and Mexicans living in the US and many Americans travel to and live in Mexico.
The US needs a new law that secures the border, targets businesses that hire illegal workers and punishes illegals, but gives them a path to citizenship, Mr Obama said. He asked for support from opposition Republicans to pass one.
Mr Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greeted Mr Calderon and his wife, Margarita Zavala, at the White House at the start of the visit. The Obamas were hosting a state dinner tonight, and Mr Calderon was to address a joint session of the US Congress tomorrow.
The two countries broadly agree on issues like the global economy and climate change, despite tensions over immigration, border security, drug violence and trade.
Their trade surpasses $1 billion a day, and Mexico sends 80 per cent of its exports to the United States. The presidents issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to mutual economic growth, securing the border, protecting the environment, and fighting crime, but offered no major new initiatives.
Reuters