Perry open to sending troops to Mexico against drug cartels
Manchester, New Hampshire (CNN) - Rick Perry signaled Saturday he would be open to sending U.S. troops into Mexico to combat drug cartels should the situation arise.
After speaking at a house party in Manchester, the Texas governor was asked a series of questions about the border and his stance on illegal immigration.
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CNN Poll: Support for border crackdown grows
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/05/26/art.azborder.0526.gi.jpg caption ="A new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll indicates that nearly nine out of ten Americans want to strengthen U.S. law enforcement along the border with Mexico."] Washington (CNN) - Public support for beefing up security along the U.S. border with Mexico and deporting all illegal immigrants has grown significantly, according to a new national poll.
A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey indicates that nearly nine out of ten Americans want to beef up U.S. law enforcement along the border with Mexico. The poll's Wednesday morning release comes one day after an administration official told CNN that President Barack Obama will deploy up to 1,200 more National Guard troops to the U.S. border with Mexico and will request $500 million to supplement current spending for enhanced border protection and law enforcement activities.
Forty-one percent of people questioned in the survey say all illegal immigrants currently in the country should be removed, up 15 points from 2008. And 88 percent say more federal law enforcement officials are need along the border with Mexico, up 14 points from four years ago. The poll also indicates that 54 percent back a 700-mile-long fence along the Mexican border, up nine points from 2006.
"Support for more crackdowns on employers who hire illegal immigrants is high and also on the rise, from 58 percent four years ago to 71 percent now," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "Seven in ten would support a federal ID card that everyone would have to show to an employer."
Eight in ten also support a program that would allow illegal immigrants already in the U.S. to stay here and apply for legal residency if they had a job and paid back taxes. But only 38 percent say that program should be a higher priority than border security and other get-tough proposals.
Obama to deploy up to 1,200 more troops to border
A barbed wire fence in Arizona stretches along the U.S.-Mexico border. (PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images)
Washington (CNN) - President Barack Obama will deploy up to 1,200 more National Guard troops to the U.S. border with Mexico, an administration official told CNN on Tuesday.
In addition, Obama will request $500 million to supplement current spending for enhanced border protection and law enforcement activities, the official said.
The National Guard troops will help with drug enforcement efforts and intelligence efforts until Customs and Border Protection can recruit and train additional officers and agents to serve on the border, the official said.
White House incorporates Mexican themes for State Dinner
The scene is set for the second State Dinner of the Obama presidency. Pictured here is the entertainment tent. (PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images)
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Washington (CNN) - America's first couple welcomed their Mexican counterparts Wednesday to the second State Dinner of the Obama administration, a night of pomp and ceremony that both leaders hope will demonstrate the important relationship between the North American neighbors.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, dressed in a flowing blue gown, welcomed Mexican President Felipe Calderon and his wife at the White House steps as a military honor guard saluted and media cameras clicked and whirred.
In an unrehearsed moment, a White House aide slipped while walking out with the Obamas before their guests arrived, and both the president and first lady immediately called out, "Don't take that picture," to the media gallery.
The more than 200 invited guests, including diplomats, White House officials and celebrities including actresses Whoopi Goldberg and Eva
Longoria-Parker, arrived through a separate entrance for the Mexican-themed dinner and musical performances.
The state lunch before the state dinner
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/05/19/art.hrccalderone0519.gi.jpg caption="Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hosted Mexico's president at the State Department Wednesday afternoon."]
Washington (CNN) - U.S. diplomacy toward Mexico was fueled Wednesday by sea trout, lemon meringue pie and hibiscus iced tea.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vice-President Joe Biden hosted the lunch for Mexican President Calderon at the State Department.
The top floor Benjamin Franklin reception room was filled with tables covered with red tablecloths, gold-rimmed glasses and gold and white china. Some tables held large green ceramic pineapples with pots of pink and white flowers. Waiters had carefully placed hibiscus blossoms in each glass of ice tea.
In opening remarks, Clinton said "the United States is proud to be Mexico's friend, partner and neighbor."
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U.S., Mexican presidents say key issues must be tackled together
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/05/19/art.calderon.gi.jpg caption="Calderon is visiting the White House."](CNN) - Politically sensitive issues such as immigration, border security, drug trafficking and trade took center stage in Washington on Wednesday as President Barack Obama welcomed his Mexican counterpart, Felipe Calderon, to the White House.
Both leaders used the occasion - the fourth time they have met for bilateral talks - to take sharp aim at Arizona's controversial new law meant to crack down on illegal immigrants. Calderon characterized the measure as discriminatory; Obama called it a "misdirected expression of frustration."
The leaders criticized the law while meeting with reporters shortly after Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton rolled out the red carpet for Calderon in a formal White House arrival ceremony.
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and Mexican first lady Margarita Zavala joined their husbands for the occasion, which was to be followed by a state dinner Wednesday night. Calderon is to address a joint session of Congress on Thursday.
"Our progress today marks another step forward in a new era of cooperation and partnership between our countries, a partnership based on mutual interests, mutual respect and mutual responsibility," Obama said.
Calderon said that the United States and Mexico now face a series of common challenges, including climate change and organized crime - a rising threat to border stability.
Updated: 3:47 p.m.
Analysis: U.S., Mexico leaders to talk drugs, Arizona, trade
Washington (CNN) - Last week, it was Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai getting the Washington treatment - and the pledges of long-term U.S. commitment.
But when the Afghanistan entourage exited the whirl of White House, State Department and Capitol Hill visits, you could almost hear the Obama administration take a quick breath and shout out, "Next!"
Waiting in the wings is the president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, flying in this week for a formal arrival ceremony, a state dinner at the White House, an address to a joint meeting of Congress and an airing of the difficult issues that bleed across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Updated: 7:16 p.m.
Michelle Obama calls for U.S. to lower demand for drugs from Mexico
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/04/15/art.obamazavala.0414.gi.jpg caption ="First Lady Michelle Obama met with her Mexican counterpart, Margarita Zavala de Calderon, on Wednesday."]MEXICO CITY, Mexico (CNN) - The United States needs to do more to reduce demand for illegal drugs if it wants to help reduce the violence that has wracked its southern neighbor, Michelle Obama said Wednesday.
The first lady of the United States made that comment after meeting with her Mexican counterpart, Margarita Zavala de Calderon, whose "New Life Centers" help with prevention and education so that fewer young people will become addicted.
"We need to do more of the same," said Obama, who cited education and opportunity as key elements to any successful anti-drug campaign.
"What we do know in both countries is that, if young people have opportunities, if they know that they're going to get a solid education, perhaps go to college or at least get a job that's going to pay a wage that is going to allow them to live a decent life and care for their families and grandchildren, they're going to make the better choice.
"But so often, in our countries, those opportunities don't exist," she told CNN en Espanol's Juan Carlos Lopez.
Immigration system 'broken,' says Obama
GUADALAJARA, Mexico (CNN) - President Obama said Monday at the North American Leaders Summit he is committed to "fix the broken immigration system."
The three North American countries depend on their borders being safe and secure, Obama said, adding that he supports "orderly and legal" migration, while respecting the American tradition of welcoming immigrants.
Obama: U.S. remains partner in fight against drug traffickers
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/08/10/art.bocalderon0810.gi.jpg caption="At a press conference in Mexico Monday, President Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon discussed fighting drug cartels."]
GUADALAJARA, Mexico (CNN) - President Obama said Monday the United States remains Mexico's partner in the fight against drug cartels, despite some calls in the United States to delay counter-narcotics aid because of alleged human rights violations by Mexican soldiers.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and human rights in his offensive against the cartels, Obama said.
Some $100 million in anti-drug aid, known as the Merida Initiative, could be delayed because of concerns about human rights violations, it was reported last week.
"We have been very supportive of the Merida Initiative, and we remain supportive," Obama said.
Obama also said the United States would work to reduce demand for drugs and stop the illegal flow weapons south to Mexico.
The remarks came at a summit of North American leaders in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper also expressed support for Mexico's strategy, saying that the drug cartels were a problem shared by all three countries.
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