Fox: U.S.-Mexico must manage immigration together

President Vicente Fox told a joint session of the Utah Legislature on Wednesday that he hoped federal lawmakers will take the course of comprehensive immigration reform.

style="border:1px solid #999999;"> Related content Deseret Morning News Audio recording of President Fox's speech

"Comprehensive reform will help both countries to concentrate our efforts and resources on addressing our shared security and prosperity concerns," he said. "We are your partner in security against terrorism. We are your allies in the war on drugs and crime. We are your partners in the drive for economic prosperity."

The address was Fox's final engagement in Utah before he was schedule to leave to Washington State then to California on a four-day swing through the West as as the U.S. Senate is expected to take vote on sweeping immigration reforms, which could put millions of undocumented immigrants on a path of citizenship. Whatever the Senate passes will have to be reconciled with a House bill that takes a tougher stance in cracking down on illegal immigration.

Fox told Utah lawmakers he is "aware of the decisiveness of this moment and speaking in favor of a just, sensible and strategic and noble cause."

Fox acknowledged that the United States is a diverse nation and said that Mexico is "very proud" of its people here. He said their morals of family values contribute everyday to the American economy and community.

Fox began his second day in the Beehive state with a breakfast at Rico, a Mexican food producer and retailer founded by a Mexican immigrant.

In remarks to representatives of the Mexican community at the early morning event, Fox repeated his call for human rights for immigrants and emphasized that Mexico is working to be part of the solution.

"The solution is not unilateral," Fox, speaking in Spanish, said of efforts to secure the border. "The responsibility is ours."

Fox heard concerns from members of the Institute of Mexicans Abroad, who are representatives of the Mexican community to the Salt Lake Consul, which serves Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and part of Montana.

Magdalena Soto, of the Idaho Migrant Council, said she was impressed by Fox's persona. "He seems a very humble person," she said. She is among those who want a consulate office in Boise. "The closest we have now is in Salt Lake City. It's difficult for us to get what we need," she said.