Guatemala City, Guatemala – President Bush’s message of goodwill in Latin American ran into a wall in Guatemala on Monday, as his defense of U.S. immigration law met with disapproval from his hosts.
Bush’s meetings with President Oscar Berger, a conservative who has become a strong U.S. ally, were dominated by trade and the difficult issue of immigration policy.
Bush pleased Guatemalans by promising to push hard, and quickly, for changes that would include a temporary-worker program for illegal immigrants in the U.S. He said he thinks it is possible to wrest legislation out of Congress, still split on the issue, by August.
But he gave no ground in the face of questions over deportations of illegal workers, such as those caught in a raid in Massachusetts last week.
Federal authorities detained more than 300 employees of a leather-goods maker – most from Guatemala and El Salvador – for possible deportation as illegal immigrants. The raid left dozens of young children stranded at schools and with babysitters.
“The United States will enforce our law,” Bush said. “It’s against the law to hire somebody who’s in our country illegally.”
Responded Berger: “The Guatemalan people would have preferred a more clear and positive response – no more deportations.”
One issue where the leaders found common ground was the battle against drug trafficking.
Guatemala wants technical assistance, such as helicopters and other equipment, for the fight. Bush praised Berger’s commitment and said he wants the U.S. to work with Mexico and other Central American countries on a regional partnership to halt trafficking and gangs.
He plans to discuss it today with Mexican President Felipe Calderon on his last stop of a five-nation tour.
Bloomberg News contributed to this report.
