Immigration expected to dominate Obama-Calderon meetings, with new Arizona law sparking debate
By Julie Pace, APWednesday, May 19, 2010
Immigration highlighted in Obama-Calderon meetings
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is praising Mexico’s ties to the United States, welcoming Mexico’s Felipe Calderon at a White House ceremony.
Obama said the two leaders would celebrate the “many bridges that bind our two nations.” He pledged they would also discuss immigration and the ongoing fight against drug violence.
The two leaders will hold a joint news conference Wednesday and later, Obama will host a state dinner for Calderon.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is welcoming Mexico’s Felipe Calderon to the White House, where immigration reform is expected to dominate the two leaders’ discussions.
Obama and Calderon participated in an arrival ceremony on the White House South Lawn Wednesday morning and are expected to hold a joint news conference later in the day. Later, Obama will host a state dinner for the Mexican leader.
While immigration long has been a source of tension, the controversial Arizona immigration law threatens to add strain to U.S.-Mexican relations. Calderon has condemned Arizona’s law, which makes it a state crime to be in the country illegally. Obama has called the law “misguided” and asked the Justice Department to review it.
Tags: Arizona, Barack Obama, Central America, Latin America And Caribbean, Mexico, North America, United States, Washington
