Fox: 'We are partners'

While Fox tackled the immigration issue, much of his speech focused on advancements made in Mexico during his six-year term, which is nearing its end. It was a message that appeared aimed at influencing the upcoming elections in Mexico.

"Until recently, Mexico was trapped in a vicious cycle of economic crisis, recurrent crisis. But we have set out to change, and today, Mexico has the soundest, safest most stable economy of our lifetime," the Mexican president said.

Turning his attention to the U.S. concern over illegal immigration, Fox said that enforcement-only measures won't solve the problem and made it clear that Mexico wants to be part of the solution.

"Mexico does not promote nor support undocumented migration," Fox said, "and must continue to expand economic and social opportunities, jobs and income to people, so migration becomes a decision, not a necessity."

Lawmakers weren't sure what to expect from Fox's speech, especially after the Mexican leader in his first speech Tuesday in Utah didn't mention immigration — the most controversial element of his country's relationship with the United States.

But when he did tackle the topic before the Utah Legislature — where illegal immigration was a divisive topic during the 2006 session — some lawmakers still weren't satisfied.

Rep. Curt Oda, R-Clearfield, said he would have liked to have had the opportunity to ask Fox for more information on what Mexico is doing in areas such as curbing the drug trade.

"He talked cooperation," Oda said. "I wanted to hear more of what they're willing to do on their side. That was clearly, clearly lacking."

And Rep. Glenn Donnelson, R-North Ogden, who sponsored bills this past session to repeal two pieces of legislation that Fox praised earlier in his visit — driving privilege cards and in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants — questioned what is driving the economic growth Fox touted.

"If illegal immigration is building it up, that's a false economy," he said.

However, Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, who sponsored legislation creating the controversial driving privilege card in 2005, said after the speech that he "found we had more in common in terms of recognizing the problem and more in common in terms of how to address a solution."

The perception of most Utahns before Fox arrived midday Tuesday was that "the Mexican government was ignoring the problem," Bramble said. "We were told they are just as concerned as Americans and they are willing to engage in finding solutions."

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. declined a request Wednesday for an interview about Fox's visit, but Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert said hearing from Fox over the past two days has helped change his own thinking on immigration.