City of San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders met with President George Bush in Washington DC today to discuss immigration reform. Sanders told the President San Diego needs a secure border that allows legal crossers quick and easy access to the United States. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.
Mayor Sanders said the President wanted to vet his ideas for immigration reform and invited Sanders to the White House because he's mayor of the largest border city in the United States.
Speaking on KPBS's These Days, Sanders said he emphasized the importance of border security during the meeting. And said San Diego needs a program to bring illegal immigrants out of the shadows.
Sanders: "The immigration community was an important fabric of San Diego and the fact that people would register would actually help security out because we would know if there were people here that were threats to the United States."
Sanders also said frequent crosser programs are essential for the economy.
Vice President Dick Cheney and Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove also attended the meeting. Representatives from the agriculture industry and the religious and social service communities were present, as well. Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
