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WASHINGTON, March 23 - President Bush and the leaders of Mexico and Canada pledged today to work through their differences and toward more secure borders and easier, more profitable trade.
"I will continue to push for reasonable, common-sense immigration policy with the United States Congress," Mr. Bush said in Waco, Tex., appearing with President Vicente Fox of Mexico and Prime Minister Paul Martin of Canada.
Mr. Bush went on to say, in remarks meant especially for President Fox, that he would continue to push for compassion as well as practicality in the United States' dealings with Mexico on border issues.
In other words, Mr. Bush said, "if there is a job opening which an American won't do," a Mexican ought to be able to cross the border into the United States, work, and then go home.
North America, as seen from spaceAmerican President George Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, and Mexican President Vicente Fox met at Baylor University in Waco, Texas on Wednesday. The leaders discussed cooperation in the areas of border security, trade, and immigration, signing an accord called the "Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America."

"In a rapidly changing world, we must develop new avenues of cooperation that will make our open societies safer and more secure, our businesses more competitive, and our economies more resilient," read a joint statement released by the three leaders.

The agreement calls for greater sharing of intelligence and the strengthening of infrastructure security. It also seeks to develop a common system for screening travellers, and promotes collaboration in the sectors of transportation, energy, technology, and financial services.

Each nation will set up ministerial-level working groups that will "set specific, measurable, and achievable goals and implementation dates" and "identify concrete steps the governments can take to achieve these goals," according to a White House press release. The initial reports are due within 90 days.

President Bush, while not offering specific details, also said that he would "continue to push for reasonable, common-sense immigration policy with the United States Congress."