http://crapo.senate.gov/pr01102001.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS: Susan Wheeler
(202) 224-5150
January 10, 2001
Lindsay Nothern
(208) 334-1776

CRAPO, MEXICAN PRESIDENT FOX DISCUSS FARM TRADE, IMMIGRATION REFORM

Farmers, families split by immigration policies could benefit

Mexico City - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Mexicos President Vincente Fox agreed to explore increased farm trade opportunities and changes in immigration policy between the U.S. and Mexico during a meeting Tuesday night in Mexicos capital city. Crapo met with Fox as part of a five-member U.S. Senate trade delegation visiting Mexico this week, the first such official tour from the U.S. Senate since Foxs inaugural.

This visit has provided many opportunities to improve the trade and immigration policies we share with Mexico, Crapo said from Mexico City. I have found President Fox to be a strong supporter of free-market policies that will create more trade in the long run. This is the first time in some 70 years there is a new governing party in Mexico, and President Fox made it clear to us he is open to cooperative efforts that will change our relationship for the better.

Crapo said substantial progress was made in talks over immigration practices on both sides of the border which have separated the families of Mexican workers earning wages in the U.S. We have all heard the horror stories of husbands becoming separated from their families, or workers afraid to go home to Mexico or return to our country because of an immigration law. I am confident that our talks this week can become the genesis for meaningful reform in the guest worker programs that regulate immigration on both sides of the border, Crapo said.

In addition, Crapo said increased farm trade and reform of trade policies like NAFTA have also been discussed in meetings with Mexicos trade negotiator and commerce officials. Crapo promoted Idaho farm goods including fresh potatoes, beef, and dry beans. He said negotiations regarding the cane sugar industry and the effects on Idahos beet sugar industry were also discussed.

Not only did we discuss trade and immigration issues with President Fox, but we also spent much time directly with our counterparts in the Mexican Senate, which we agreed did not happen enough during past visits, Crapo added. I am optimistic given the many new contacts we made that our farmers and guest workers will soon benefit from this visit, seen here in Mexico as quite historic.