Obama to visit Mexico and Costa Rica in May

David Jackson | USATODAY

Immigration and economic development will be major topics when President Obama visits Mexico and Costa Rica on May 2-4.

Obama told the Univision television network Wednesday that increasing trade and economic cooperation in Mexico and Central America will help address other problems.

"A lot of what drives both illegal immigration to the United States -- but also what drives a lot of the violence in these countries -- is a lack of opportunity," Obama said.

He added: "If we can help them to grow, that could be good for the United States, that could be good for those countries as well."

From the White House announcement of the trip:

"In Mexico, the president looks forward to meeting with President Pena Nieto. ... The president welcomes the opportunity to discuss ways to deepen our economic and commercial partnership and further our engagement on the broad array of bilateral, regional, and global issues that connect our two countries.

"In Costa Rica, the president looks forward to the opportunity to meet with President Chinchilla as well as heads of state of the other Central American countries and the Dominican Republic, whom President Chinchilla has graciously offered to host.

"The trip will be an important chance to discuss our collective efforts to promote economic growth and development in Central America and our ongoing collaboration on citizen security."