Bush vows new push on immigration

MERIDA - President George W. Bush tried to reassure increasingly sceptical Mexicans yesterday that he has not given up on overhauling United States immigration policy despite failing in Congress last year.

Bush told Mexican President Felipe Calderon in their first summit meeting he would try again to convince US politicians to pass his plans to soften immigration laws and allow a guest worker programme.

"My pledge to you and your Government, but more importantly the people of Mexico, is that I will work as hard as I possibly can to pass comprehensive immigration reform."

In Mexico City, hundreds of demonstrators protested against Bush's visit by throwing rocks at heavily armoured riot police guarding the US Embassy.

- REUTERS