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U.S., Mexico issue border goals statement

U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and first lady Michelle Obama (2nd L) welcome President Felipe Calderon (2nd R) of Mexico and his wife Margarita Zavala to the White House in Washington for an official State Dinner, May 19, 2010. UPI/Gary Fabiano/Pool
1 of 3 | U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and first lady Michelle Obama (2nd L) welcome President Felipe Calderon (2nd R) of Mexico and his wife Margarita Zavala to the White House in Washington for an official State Dinner, May 19, 2010. UPI/Gary Fabiano/Pool | License Photo

WASHINGTON, May 19 (UPI) -- The United States and Mexico pledged Wednesday to improve management of their border, a nearly 2,000-mile-long flash point for the illegal immigration issue.

The next-door neighbors said in a joint, non-legally binding declaration they desire to create a border that "promotes their economic competitiveness and enhances their security through the secure, efficient, rapid and lawful movement of goods and people."

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They will form a steering committee that will begin meeting no later than Aug. 19 to promote the effort.

The statement said the two nations want to "fundamentally restructure the way in which the shared border between Mexico and the United States is managed to enhance public safety, welcome lawful visitors, encourage trade, strengthen cultural ties and reduce the cost of doing business in North America."

The statement said they recognize international criminal organizations threaten the economies and security of both countries, and they share an interest in ensuring a legal, orderly system for managing migration.

Toward that end, they said they would work to enhance lawful trade while preventing the transit of illegal merchandise between the two countries, facilitate legal travel while preventing illegal migration, share information that enhances secure flow of goods and people, and disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises.

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The two nations will work on issues such as reducing congestion at border crossings; promoting "trusted shipper" programs; widening pre-screening and similar programs to improve the interception of dangerous individuals, hazardous goods and contraband; sharing information and cooperating to enhance the processes for repatriating those with criminal records; and improving aviation security and border security.

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