SAN DIEGO -- In advance of Mexican President Vincente Fox's visit next week to Washington, Mexican Consul General Rodulfo Figueroa spoke with 10News Thursday about several key border issues.

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Hear From Mexican Consul General Rodulfo Figueroa

Figueroa discussed amnesty, migrant smuggling and border traffic. The consul general said that the two presidents will also talk about such issues when they meet.

"I do believe that President Bush and President Fox really like each other (and) understand each other. Just the fact they are discussing these issues that were taboo for many years is very important," Figueroa said.

The consul general said that he believes thousands of Mexican nationals already living in the United States should be granted amnesty. He said that this would be far preferable to having thousands of people living without driver's licenses or insurance, and more subject to exploitation.

As for migrant smugglers, known as "coyotes," Figueroa believes that they should be prosecuted on either side of the border.

"The criminals are the people trafficking (other) people. They are the ones to blame, basically, for what is happening (with) all the deaths at the border," the consul general said.

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He also believes that illegal immigration will stop if more opportunities are created in Mexico.

"We have to create jobs in Mexico to hold population in Mexico and have them stay there," he said.

Another issue that Figueroa wants addressed is the long waits at the border crossings.

The United States has made an effort to open more lanes during commute times for a one-month test period, but the waits are still often well over an hour to get across. The test period will end in two weeks.

According to Figueroa, the San Diego economy suffers when the long waits deter people from visiting.

"The people of Tijuana spend close to $3 billion every year in the San Diego area," he said.