Mexican President Vicente Fox wraps up his U.S. visit with meetings in Los Angeles Friday. As KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson explains Fox's discussion of immigration has taken on a new tone during his visit and marks a shift in his position on the topic.
When President Fox addressed the California legislature four years ago, he emphasized illegal immigrants' contributions to the United States cast them as Mexico's heroic bread winners and asked lawmakers to lower in-state tuition for them.
This time, Fox vowed to improve Mexico's economy so people don't need to cross.
Professor David Shirk specializes in Mexican politics at the University of San Diego. He says Fox's concession paints Mexico as a partner in immigration reform.
Shirk: "To let people know that Mexico understands that this is not simply a U.S. issue and Mexico bears the large part of the burden in terms of providing for its own citizens."
Many have long criticized Mexico for not taking responsibility on the immigration issue. Amy Isackson, KPBS news.
