Arizonans question Mexican immigration policy
Posted: May 11, 2010 5:59 PM MST
Updated: May 11, 2010 6:29 PM MST
Mexican leaders have been fast to knock Arizona's immigration law, but aren't interested in talking about their own laws and practices.

Reporter: Tammy Vo

The boycott against Arizona has claimed another victim. For more than 50 years, the Governors of Arizona and Sonora have met yearly to discuss border issues. Not this year. In protest over SB-1070, the Governor of Sonora now refuses to travel to Phoenix.

Mexico has been quick to scold the United States and issue travel warnings which has caused some of our viewers to demand an answer to this question: In light of its own immigration practices, where does Mexico get off criticizing us?

Article 67 under Mexican population law says, "Authorities, whether federal, state or municipal ... Are required to demand that foreigners prove their legal presence in the country, before attending to any issues."

Tucsonan, Jim Kelley, who supports the immigration law said, "The pot's calling the kettle black".

He recalls a trip to Cancun when he was stopped on the street and asked for his identification. Did he feel like he was a victim of racial profiling? "Absolutely not. They were making sure the good tourists weren't going to be in any trouble" said Kelley.

Bruce Greenberg of Montanaverde consulting, has 26 offices throughout Mexico. He's been traveling there for 50 years and says, no police officer has ever asked for his papers at random. He believes Mexican and American immigration law, is more similar than you think.

"I think the process is identical. I've never been stopped on the street. The only time was when I was allegedly speeding and I had to give my driver's license", said Greenberg.

Online bloggers are calling Mexico's stance, "a hypocrisy", arguing Mexico's immigration law is "much tougher".

What does the Mexican consulate have to say about that? "No comment".

Amnesty International fights for human rights and has harsh criticism for the way Mexico treats illegal immigrants on its southern border, calling it a human rights crisis. A just released video documents the treatment of borders crossers in Mexico that includes rape, murder and torture at the hands of gangs and Mexican officials.

According to our research, foreign nationals in Mexico have to have their papers with them. Local police can assist with immigration arrests and illegal immigrants can face prison time of up to two years in prison.

The State Department keeps track of which foreign cities arrest the most Americans. For all reasons combined, 4 of the top 10 are in Mexico.
http://www.kgun9.com/Global/story.asp?S=12466238