Obama, Calderon to discuss Arizona law

President Barack Obama will “undoubtedly” discuss Arizona’s immigration law this week with Mexico’s president, a White House official said.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon, who arrives in Washington on Wednesday, has been a strong critic of the law, which Obama has also criticized. Calderon issued a travel advisory warning citizens of his country about the dangers of traveling to Arizona.

The White House official said Obama understands Calderon’s concerns and will highlight the need for a federal immigration law.

“He will undoubtedly engage in a conversation with President Calderon about the Arizona law, about the need for comprehensive immigration reform,” the official told reporters on a background conference call.

{mosads}The White House understands that the Arizona law “has resonated in Mexico, is of deep concern to the Mexican govenrment,” the official said.

Prospects for broad immigration reform in Congress, however, do not appear strong. Senate Democrats introduced an immigration reform proposal two weeks ago, but they have no Republican support and it is unclear whether the legislation will reach the Senate floor for a vote.

Arizona’s new state law allows state and local police to question people about their immigration status if they have a reasonable suspicion that a person is in the country illegally. Proponents say the step is necessary given the federal government’s inability to stop illegal immigration. Opponents argue it will lead to racial profiling.

Calderon said last week that he would bring up his complaints about the law with President Obama.

“It contains elements that are frankly discriminatory, terribly backward,” Calderon said in an interview.

Besides immigration, Obama and Calderon will discuss steps to reduce drug trafficking, green energy initiatives, and trade.

Calderon’s trip will be capped by a state dinner.