MEXICO CITY, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Thursday urged the United States government to invest more in development plans in Central America to curb immigration.

"We are seeking investment so there is development, so there are jobs and well-being in Central American countries, so the people are not forced to emigrate," the president said during his usual morning press conference.

"A social problem cannot be solved only with coercive measures," said Lopez Obrador, referring to a U.S. Supreme Court decision that rules the current administration in Washington must reinstate a controversial immigration policy put in place in 2019 by former president Donald Trump.

Widely known as the "Remain in Mexico" policy, it bars entry to asylum seekers, forcing them to remain in Mexico until the date of their hearing at a U.S. immigration court.

"The cause (of immigration) has to be addressed," said Lopez Obrador, calling for greater investment in development.