MEXICO. - The Mexican government expressed its satisfaction with the proposals made by U.S. President Barack Obama, and a bipartisan group of senators from the U.S. to achieve comprehensive immigration reform.

"The Mexican Government welcomes the principles that have been raised by the U.S. President Barack Obama" in relation to immigration reform, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.

Yesterday in Las Vegas, Nevada, Obama outlined the main points of this reform which include strengthening border security, a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and sanctions for businesses that knowingly hire undocumented immigrants.

The Mexican Foreign Ministry highlighted the "valuable contributions" of numerous civic organizations, and that of business groups to achieve a comprehensive reform of the U.S. immigration system.

Mexico recognizes the commitment shown by a growing number of actors in the U.S., who all aim to ensure that legal framework in North America, reflect the real demographic situation of a region that complements both countries and their economies.

Moreover, "there is a need for a prosperous border, competitive, secure and efficient, and the family ties and shared values between the two societies," said the statement.

The Ministry indicated that the debate on this subject included "appropriately" the priority of protecting the rights of every individual, regardless of their immigration status.

Although immigration policy "is an internal matter of federal government in the United States," this issue also is "concerning to millions of individuals living in this and other countries," said the Ministry.

Mexico has previously supported various proposals for immigration reform in the United States, which would allow the legalization of 11 million undocumented.

Editorial@Sandiegored.com

Omar.Martinez@Sandiegored.com