Answer:  U.S. officials met on November 20 with Mexican officials to continue the discussion of issues surrounding migration and border security.  The meeting was characterized by open and useful discussion.  Our bilateral migration agenda is an important part of the U.S. - Mexican relationship.    

The discussions focused primarily on the border security aspects of our bilateral migration agenda, which have been part of the agenda since the U.S. -Mexico high level working group on migration first met last April.  The events of September 11 highlighted the importance of taking real steps in real time to address border security issues.    Continuing cooperation on border security is vital to the safety of both our societies, and we appreciate the government of Mexico’s willingness to work together with us to accomplish this goal.   We want to facilitate the legitimate movement of people and goods and ensure that our common border is a link and not a divider. 

Presidents Bush and Fox addressed migration and border security issues in their joint statement of September 6, 2001.  The Administration’s position on this issue has not changed.

We have not deferred anything in our migration and border security talks with Mexico, and U.S. officials will continue to engage their Mexican counterparts.  The next technical-level meeting will occur in January 2002.