Mexico reiterated the necessity for the United States to view immigration and border security issues in a comprehensive way, a presidential spokesman said on Tuesday.

The remarks came one day after US President George W. Bush promised tighter security on the southern border with Mexico.

Bush's temporary guest worker program to allow illegal immigrants in the United States to register and work for up to six years has met tough criticism from the Congress. Many believed the scheme would reward lawbreakers by giving them a "backdoor amnesty."

Spokesman Ruben Aguilar told a press conference that Mexico has worked hard to establish mechanisms for legal, safe and orderly emigration with respect for human rights.

The success of much-discussed reform on US guest worker program will depend on whether there are alternatives to the scheme to legalize the status of Mexicans already working in the United States, Aguilar said.

He added Mexico has recognized economic and social contribution by the guest workers to both the United States and Mexico.

Also on Tuesday, Mexican President Vicente Fox said major immigration reform was in the US own interests. He refused to write off the chances of the reform benefiting millions of Mexican workers.

Source: Xinhua