Arizona immigration law will impact Mexico

Migrant shelters in Mexico along the Mexico-Arizona border are preparing for an onslaught of new arrivals if the Arizona immigration law (S.B. 1070) takes effect on July 29. USA Today reports the Mexican government has increased staffing from eight to 11 at its consulate in Phoenix to assist detained Mexicans.

The Arizona law requires immigrants to carry their alien registration documents at all times. Police are required to check a person’s immigration status during the investigation of an offense and if an officer has reason to suspect they're in the U.S. illegally. The law allows Arizona citizens to sue local government or agencies if they believe federal or state immigration law is not being enforced. It also targets those who hire illegal immigrant laborers or knowingly transport them.

Seven lawsuits, including one by the Justice Department, have been filed to stop enforcement of the law. Nine states, led by Michigan attorney general Michael Cox, have filed a legal brief in federal court supporting Arizona’s right to enforce the law.

 

 

Pictured: Officials at the Mexican consulate in Phoenix have added staff workers to handle the expected increase in detained Mexicans if Arizona’s immigration law takes effect on July 29.

Photo courtesy of the Mexican Consulate General in Phoenix