SACRAMENTO — Mexican President Vicente Fox said Thursday that border walls and aggressive policing by themselves won't stop illegal immigration, while pledging that his government would create enough jobs that people won't want to flee to the United States.
Speaking at a joint session of the California Legislature at a time when immigration issues have riveted much of the U.S., Fox said the two nations need to enact "comprehensive reform" and work cooperatively to gain better control of the border.
Fox's arrival at Sacramento International Airport at 4 p.m. was his first visit to California in five years. In that span, Arnold Schwarzenegger replaced Gray Davis as governor, and Mexican immigration eclipsed rolling blackouts and other issues as a top concern of voters.
Fox appeared to reject the argument of more conservative U.S. voices in the immigration debate that harsher security measures would keep illegal immigration in check.
He said that his government is committed to "continue expanding jobs in Mexico," while "promoting economic growth and social opportunities so that migration is no longer a necessity."
But he added that his country "believes that it will take more than just enforcement or building walls to truly solve the challenges posed by the migration phenomenon, and that a comprehensive reform is in the interests of both nations."
He got a cold reception from some Republican legislators inside the Capitol -- and from protesters outside.
Sen. Dave Cox (R-Fair Oaks) passed out yellow lapel pins to fellow Republican lawmakers reading, "No Mas" -- no more. At least eight lawmakers were seen wearing the buttons.
"Mexico cannot continue to ignore the crisis of illegal immigration into the United States, and President Fox must work with the United States to take the necessary steps to control our borders," Cox said in a prepared statement.
Seven Republican lawmakers boycotted Fox's speech: Assemblyman Russ Bogh of Cherry Valley; Assemblywoman Sharon Runner of Lancaster and her husband, Sen. George Runner; Assemblyman Chuck DeVore of Irvine; Assemblywoman Mimi Walters of Laguna Niguel; Assemblyman Ray Haynes of Murrieta; and Sen. Tom McClintock of Thousand Oaks, a former gubernatorial candidate.
Assembly Republican leader George Plescia (R-San Diego) panned the speech as vague and unconvincing.
