MEXICO CITY – Mexican president Felipe Calderón yesterday criticised a tough new immigration law in the US state of Arizona, which borders Mexico, saying it would breed hate and discrimination.
The law has raised fears that Hispanic immigrants could be racially profiled. It has also reignited the touchy political issue of immigration reform in the United States, which at times has touched off fierce criticism from some Latin American leaders.
“Criminalising immigration, which is a social and economic phenomena, this way opens the door to intolerance, hate, and discrimination,” Mr Calderón told a meeting with Mexican immigrant groups.
“My government cannot and will not remain indifferent when these kinds of policies go against human rights,” he added.
He would be bringing up the new law when he meets US president Barack Obama next month during an official visit to Washington, he said.
Arizona’s Republican governor signed a bill into law last week requiring police to determine whether people are in the country legally, and allowing them to detain suspected illegal immigrants.
The toughest immigration law in the United States, it triggered a chorus of criticism from leaders of the Democratic party, including Mr Obama.
The majority of the 11 million people believed to be living illegally in the US are immigrants from Mexico, which shares a lengthy border with its northern neighbour and has been pushing for years for comprehensive US reform to improve immigrant rights.
Set to take effect 90 days after the current legislative session adjourns, the law requires state and local police with “reasonable suspicion” to determine whether people are in the country illegally.
It also makes it a crime to transport illegal immigrants and hire day labourers off the street. – (Reuters)