Calderón speaks on immigration

Mexican President Felipe Calderón told a joint session of California's Legislature on Wednesday that the United States and Mexico are at a historic point in their relationship and called for comprehensive immigration reform.

"Future generations will judge us by the decisions we (make) today," Calderón said in his first visit to California since he was elected in 2006. "Did we work together to provide organized and humane migration, or did we continue to allow hundreds to die each year?"

Mexico "loses a great deal" with each Mexican who makes the dangerous trek across the border in search of a better job, Calderón said. Hundreds die during the journey, and the president said immigration costs his nation "our bravest, our youngest and our strongest people."

"My administration is working hard to create the conditions that will enable each Mexican to find, in our land, well-paid opportunities for employment," Calderón said, adding that Mexico has taken steps to tighten border security. The two countries, he said, "must take a comprehensive approach" to immigration that is "legal, safe and organized."

Unlike two years ago, when about a half-dozen Republican lawmakers boycotted Mexican President Vicente Fox's speech to the Legislature in a protest over illegal immigration, Calderón was warmly received.

But after the speech, Republican Sen. Tom McClintock of Thousand Oaks said it was "inappropriate" for Calderón to "lecture" the Legislature about U.S. policies. "I don't think it's any of Mexico's business what America does with its own immigration policy, just as it's none of America's business what Mexico does with immigration policy," McClintock said.

Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, D-Los Angeles, who spent part of his childhood in Mexico, said McClintock did not have "a valid argument."

"Any president of any nation has a right to their own point of view," said Núñez, who praised Calderón for his efforts to improve Mexico's economy and stem illegal immigration.

Outside the Capitol, a small group of Mexicans living in the United States protested Calderón's visit.

"Felipe Calderón represents a bureaucratic and corrupt system – that's why Mexicans come here," said Rudolfo Parel, a farmworker who lives in Turlock.

Wednesday was the final day of Calderón's five-day coast-to-coast tour of the United States during which he sought to allay concerns that his nation is indifferent to illegal immigration to this country. He acknowledged illegal immigration is a controversial issue "in this great nation" but added, "Mexican American workers are a large reason for the dynamic economy of California."

Mexico also accounts for about $20 billion in exports annually from California, and California's agricultural exports to Mexico have nearly doubled since 2002.

In a prepared statement, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who hosted a luncheon for Calderón, did not touch on the issue of illegal immigration but said he looked forward to working with Calderón to build on California's partnership with Mexico.

The governor said Calderón "is on the same page with California on many issues, such as increasing trade, creating more jobs, improving our aging infrastructures and improving the quality of life for our people."

During Calderón's visit, the two leaders signed an agreement to fight climate change and discussed boosting trade and combating drug trafficking.

In his speech, Calderón said Mexico needs California's investment just as the United States needs Mexican laborers.

"The choice is not between migration and (border) security or between migration and prosperity," he said. "The choice is between a future of integration and success or a future of distrust and resentment."

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