Obama welcomes Calderon, who attacks Arizona immigration law

President Obama formally welcomed Mexican "partner" Felipe Calderon to the White House this morning for a state visit that turns on the volatile issue of immigration -- including Calderon's criticism of the controversial new law in Arizona.

"If we are divided, we cannot overcome these problems," Calderon said in attacking the Arizona measure allowing police officers more authority to demand identification from people they suspect of being illegal immigrants; the law will promote "discrimination," the Mexican president said.

In his welcoming remarks, Obama -- whose aides are pondering a lawsuit against Arizona -- did not mention the law but called for an immigration system that is "orderly and safe." Obama urged united action against "drug cartels that threaten our people."

The United States and Mexico are not just bound by geography, Obama said, "we are by choice friends and partners."

"Let us stand together," Obama said during the formal welcoming ceremony. "Let us face the future together."

Calderon identified "organized crime, climate change and migration" as "common challenges." He warned against the United States and Mexico "reproaching each other" in seeking to deal with these problems, particularly immigration.

The Mexican leader called for "a border that will unite us instead of diving us."

Mexico and the United States can enhance each other's prosperity if they work together, Calderon said, employing an Obama campaign slogan as part of his argument -- "yes we can!"

Despite gray skies and an unseasonal chill, guests on the South Lawn waved American and Mexican flags during the traditional state visit ceremony: trumpets, the playing of the national anthems, the presidential review of troops, the marching of the fife-and-drum corps.

The president and wife Michelle welcomed Mexican first lady Margarita Zavala to the White House. The two first ladies chatted amiably during the ceremony.

(Posted by David Jackson)