Schwarzenegger criticizes planned wall along U.S.-Mexico border

Visiting California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in Mexico City on Friday criticized Washington's planned wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

During Schwarzenegger's 50-minute meeting with Mexican President-elect Felipe Calderon, the governor said the U.S. federal government was "crazy" to boost border security by constructing the border wall, without simultaneously creating a law to allow more foreign workers into the U.S. territory.

Calderon said he was optimistic that Washington would push through a comprehensive immigration overhaul.

Schwarzenegger was reelected on Tuesday as the governor of California, a state which relies heavily on Mexican agricultural laborers.

U.S. President George W. Bush last month signed a law, authorizing the construction of a 1,125-km fence along the U.S.-Mexico border after he failed to persuade the Republican-dominated Congress to pass a law, which would allow more temporary work permits for foreigners.

The border fence plan has drawn sharp criticism from Mexico. Calderon has called the plan "deplorable."

Schwarzenegger is paying a two-day visit to Mexico to promote Californian exports.

Source: Xinhua