Fox cited Huntsman's own trip to Mexico City last July as a catalyst for a strengthened relationship, which this visit is also promoting. Huntsman invited Fox to Utah while pitching an economic, educational and cultural alliance between the state and Mexico.

Members of Utah's congressional delegation took note of Fox's remarks, though they didn't say how, or if, the Mexican president's words would resonate with federal lawmakers as they debate immigration reform.

"Senator Bennett believes an open dialogue with President Fox is an important component to securing the border and enacting comprehensive immigration reform," said Mary Jane Collipriest, spokeswoman for Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said Fox's choice as Utah as his first stop in a U.S. tour is a "tribute to Gov. Huntsman's stature among Western governors.

"Clearly, Mexico can take steps to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, and President Fox acknowledged that," Hatch said. "Congress needs to come together to secure our border and find a comprehensive solution that the American people can accept."

Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, praised Fox's leadership, saying "Mexico has reduced drug trafficking to the U.S., cracked down on some graft and corruption, and grown economically" during his term.

"What America really needs is for Mexico to develop economically in a big way, so that its citizens don't come here in numbers our country can't legally handle," Cannon said. "For that to happen, Mexico must really clean up corruption and protect individual and business investment through the rule of law."

---

Contributing: Nicole Warburton, Suzanne Struglinski

E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com; lisa@desnews.com