Vicente Fox

Mexican President Vicente Fox is calling for comprehensive immigration reform, saying it would benefit both the United States and Mexico.

Mr. Fox addressed a special meeting of the Utah state legislature Wednesday, and said Mexico does not promote or support undocumented migration.

He said Mexico has pressed for a system that would regulate the flow of people across the border and allows movement in a legal, safe and orderly manner. 

Mr. Fox also said that Mexico must continue to expand economic opportunities so migration becomes a decision, not a necessity.

On Tuesday, at the start of his four-day trip, Mr. Fox told an audience in Utah that building a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border is not the answer to the immigration problem.

The U.S. Senate is considering legislation to strengthen border security, including putting increased fencing along the border.  President Bush said last week it makes sense to use fencing in key border areas.

Mr. Fox travels on to Washington state, as well as California, where he is to meet Thursday with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is Mexican-American.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.