September 3, 2001
The United States and Mexico concluded a two-day summit in Washington, D.C., where U.S. President George W. Bush and Mexican President Vicente Fox discussed key issues such as immigration policy.
Washington, D.C., United States | United States government
On September 3, 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush and Mexican President Vicente Fox concluded a crucial two-day summit in Washington, D.C., which was marked by discussions on several key issues, particularly focusing on immigration policy.
Prior to the summit, the relationship between the United States and Mexico had been evolving towards a more cooperative direction. Vicente Fox had taken office as President of Mexico in December 2000 and quickly made improved bilateral relations with the United States a priority. His administration focused on forming partnerships that could address critical issues like trade, energy, security, and notably, immigration.
Immigration Policy: The discussions on immigration were a focal point of the meeting. Both leaders aimed to develop a “whole enchilada” approach—a comprehensive strategy that proposed increased legal rights for migrant workers and contemplated the possibility of providing legal status for millions of undocumented Mexican immigrants residing in the U.S.
Economic Cooperation: The leaders explored ways to bolster economic ties, recognizing the importance of trade between the two nations under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Security: Although not as prominent as immigration, security issues were on the agenda, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts in combating cross-border crime and ensuring the safety of both nations.
The summit underscored the commitment of both countries to reinforce their diplomatic and economic relations. While immediate policy changes were not enacted, the dialogue set the stage for ongoing negotiations. The discussions reflected a mutual understanding of the benefits of addressing immigration in a manner beneficial to both countries, acknowledging the economic contributions of Mexican immigrants to the U.S.
The significance of the summit also lay in its timing. Coming just days before the September 11 terrorist attacks, the meeting represented a part of what would soon become a broader international focus for the U.S. Nonetheless, the groundwork laid during these discussions informed future negotiations and remained a touchstone for U.S.-Mexico diplomatic efforts.
Source: www.nytimes.com