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Mexico's Fox begins U.S. trip in UtahOutgoing president's visit focuses on immigration, businessFrom Ed Lavandera  Vicente Fox greets community members upon arriving Tuesday at Salt Lake International Airport. YOUR E-MAIL ALERTSSALT LAKE CITY, Utah (CNN) -- Mexican President Vicente Fox arrived Tuesday in Utah to begin a three-state visit to the United States focused on immigration and trade issues. His first event, a luncheon speech to 700 business, civic and religious leaders in Salt Lake City, addressed economics. "We need to continue strengthening economic, education and cultural ties between ourselves," Fox said at the luncheon. "We fully support the businessmen in Utah and Mexico that are present with us today. "These efforts help us build a more prosperous region," he said. Fox's theme was not surprising. Mexico is Utah's third-largest trading partner, and Fox was invited to the state by Gov. Jon Huntsman. (Watch Mexico's president call for greater ties with U.S. -- 1:51) But with immigration in the spotlight in the conservative state -- and in the United States as a whole -- Fox is expected to talk about the issue as well, particularly when he addresses the Utah Legislature on Wednesday. Utah's Hispanic population, made up mostly of Mexicans, has tripled since 1990, and the reason is a point of contention. Some say the state's family-friendly atmosphere and economic opportunities attract immigrants. Others don't see it that way. Alex Segura, a member of the anti-illegal immigrant group the Utah Minutemen, said Utah is a haven for illegal immigrants because so many people tend to look the other way. "They are very compassionate, open-minded, open-hearted people who want to help," Segura said. "But sometimes their compassion supersedes the law requirements that they need to recognize." Fox is walking a fine line on this trip. Critics say he's discreetly trying to influence American policy on illegal immigration by avoiding Washington and meeting with Western governors. He travels to California and Washington state later in the week. Those close to the Mexican president say that's not Fox's intention. "He's very sensitive to what's going on in Washington right now, and he's being very careful to make sure he does not become too much involved or says too much that would damage what's already been negotiated in the Senate," Salt Lake City businessman Joe Reyna said. Fox's trip comes the same week the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on immigration legislation that calls for a new guest-worker program and an eventual opportunity for citizenship for some of the estimated 12 million immigrants in the United States illegally. (Full story) The House passed a bill in December that contained neither provision and focused instead on enforcement, calling for 700 miles of fence along the Mexican border and making illegal immigration a felony. Opposition to that bill has helped spur a series of demonstration nationwide in recent months by supporters of illegal immigrants. Senators approved an amendment last week to build more than 370 miles of triple-layered fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border, along with 500 miles of vehicle barriers along routes used by smugglers and illegal immigrants. President Bush generally favors the outlines of the Senate bill. The Mexican government says it opposes proposals to build a barrier and to use National Guard troops to protect the border, both of which have Bush's support. Fox also said the United States should make it easier for Mexican immigrants to earn legal status. Like the Mexican president, many politicians in Utah say they support some sort of guest-worker program. All this dismays the Utah Minutemen. "To me, it's mind-boggling that the conservative state that we are continues to pander to Mexico's wants and desires," Segura said. Fox is scheduled to meet with Mormon Church leaders as well as members of Salt Lake City's Mexican community. When Fox ran for president of Mexico six years ago, he campaigned in the United States, looking for votes among Mexican nationals living north of the border. It's election year again in Mexico, and though Fox can't be re-elected, pressing the flesh among countrymen could help his political party. 
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