Mexican Agency Calls off PW Policy Probe


Mexico's human rights agency has called off plans to investigate whether new policies in Prince William County violate the rights of illegal immigrants. Mexico's National Commission on Human Rights wanted to question immigrants about their experiences. It would have been the first attempt by Mexico's National Commission on Human Rights to look at efforts by smaller jurisdictions' efforts to fight illegal immigration through local laws.

But officials with Mexicans Without Borders, the group coordinating the visit, say they're afraid it might make the anti-immigrant sentiment in the county even worse.

Board of County Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart - a leading supporter of the immigration crackdown - denies that he tried to undermine the visit but does say he's concerned about a foreign government trying to interfere in a U.S. locality.

County supervisors voted this month to have police check the immigration status of anyone who breaks a law. They also voted to cut off certain services to illegal immigrants and prohibit them from getting business licenses. --

Information from: The Washington Post

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/1007/467456.html