For the last several years, many states have expressed frustration over the U.S. government’s lack of action involving immigration. Indeed, even residents in Miami and the state of Florida are divided over exactly what should be done with the millions of undocumented aliens living in the states. Some states have taken it upon themselves to pass their own laws under criticism that these laws violate the rights of residents, even those who are here legally. Now the Mexican government has chosen to voice its displeasure.
In 2010, the state of Arizona passed a sweeping immigration law, giving law enforcement officers more power to identify and detain illegal immigrants. Part of that law included a section about harboring anyone who was in the country illegally. A judge in the U.S. District Court banned the law this year, stopping law enforcement officers from enforcing it.
The state’s governor is appealing the ruling, but in a surprising move, the Mexican government has approached the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, asking that the ban ruling be upheld. This is the second time that Mexico has gone to American courts over the issue. The first time was when the state passed the 2010 immigration law. According to attorneys representing the Mexican government, the harbor law, as it is called, interferes with the relationship between Mexico and the United States.
A large portion of illegal immigration consists of individuals who are trying to find a better life for themselves and their families. Experienced immigration attorneys may be able to help people obtain a work visa, green card, or even become a legal permanent resident.
Source: The Miami Herald, “Mexico urges court to block part of Arizona law,” Jacques Belleaud, Dec. 27, 2012
