Thread: Mexico criticizes Arizona employer sanctions law

Mexico criticizes Arizona employer sanctions law
Associated Press
Jan. 4, 2008 01:45 PM

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/ ... 04-ON.html

MEXICO CITY - The Mexican government promised Friday to defend any Mexicans affected by an Arizona law that punishes employers who hire undocumented migrants.

The Arizona law, which went into effect Tuesday, prohibits businesses from knowingly employing illegal immigrants. Violators face business license suspensions for up to 10 days; a second offense triggers permanent revocation.

"Measures like the one approved in Arizona do not contribute to solving the issue of migration by workers between the two countries, and ignore the contributions that migrants make to the U.S. economy and society," Mexico's Foreign Relations Department said.

The department said it will "intervene, through its consulates, in any situation in which the rights of Mexican workers are affected, regardless of their immigration status."

In the past, Mexican consulates have helped with the legal defense of Mexican citizens in similar cases. In Arizona, Mexico has consulates in Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales, Douglas and Yuma.

The Mexican government considers migration an unavoidable phenomenon given the higher wages in the United States. It strongly opposes tightened U.S. controls such as border fences, and instead wants temporary work-visa programs and legalization of workers in the United States.

There is no migration of workers between the 2 countries... it's a one way migration and we're sending them back. Get ready to welcome them home.