Accompanied by Public Security Secretary Genaro García Luna and Chiapas Governor Juan Sabines, the president announced a new policy that focuses on immigration control and immigrants´ rights.

"Along with overcoming poverty and creating jobs, I´m convinced that the government has the obligation and the ability to achieve a secure border while guaranteeing human rights for everybody," he told a gathering in Tuxtla Chico, a town on the border with Guatemala. "I see no contradiction in that."

Calderón said migrants entering Mexico from Guatemala have frequently been targets of exploitation as well as attacks by criminal gangs. He added his government would seek to promote respect for migrants´ rights.

He also hopes to simplify the documentation process to allow more migrants to enter the country legally. Easier access to legal entry would, he said, reduce the incentives for immigrating illegally.

Another goal of his administration is to strengthen control over the entry points along the border with Guatemala, and crack down on the corruption rife within the migration service. Overall security in the crime-ridden border area will also be enhanced.

Specific measures to implement the border area reorganization will include the creation of a local security force consisting of state and federal law enforcement officers, and a guest worker program that will grant temporary work visas to Guatemalan agricultural workers.

Calderón also indicated that the federal government will start cracking down on Guatemalans and other foreigners living illegally in Chiapas. "Beginning next month, a program will be put into operation that will review the migratory status of those who are already in the zone," he said.