President Vicente Fox urges comprehensive migration reform and closer Mexico–Utah ties in joint legislative address

President Vicente Fox, president of the United Mexican States, told a joint convention of the Utah Legislature that Mexico seeks "a legal, safe and orderly" migration system that protects human rights and reflects shared responsibility between the two nations.

Fox used a broad address to highlight Mexico's recent political and economic reforms, citing lower inflation, larger international reserves and expanded social and education programs. "Mexico does not promote nor support undocumented migration," he said, and outlined a five-point position that calls for cooperation, protection of human rights, enforcement against human smuggling, and comprehensive reform rather than enforcement-only measures.

Why it matters: Fox framed migration as both the most pressing challenge and the greatest opportunity for Mexico and the United States, arguing that managing migration jointly will advance security and prosperity. He also urged deeper trade, investment and education links between Utah and Mexico, pointing to opportunities in biotechnology, energy, mining and software development.

Fox recited economic figures to support his argument, saying inflation had reached about 3.3 percent, long-term interest rates were historically low, and international reserves exceeded $73 billion, covering foreign debt. He said Mexico had received roughly $87 billion in foreign direct investment over five years and that in 2005 the government built about 750,000 homes as part of an ambitious housing program.

On education, Fox said spending had risen by more than 70 percent during his administration and that roughly 1 in 4 public-school students received scholarships; he added that about 1,000,000 scholarships were for students in technical schools or universities.

Fox also announced the creation of a "Yuta, Mexico" partnership working group to deepen trade and cultural and educational exchanges with Utah and thanked Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. and state leaders for hosting the Mexican delegation.

Procedural outcome: Before and after Fox's remarks, the Utah Legislature completed formal business related to the visit. Senator Peter Knudson moved to resolve the legislature into a joint convention to hear the president, a motion that was approved by voice vote. At the close of the address Representative Alexander moved that the complete text of President Fox's remarks be spread upon the pages of the Senate and House journals and that the joint session be dissolved; the motion likewise passed by voice vote and the convention adjourned.

The address and the legislature's actions concluded without further debate recorded in the transcript.