Mexico Sues Arizona Over Immigration Law

A surprising and unprecedented development in the ongoing legal debate over Arizona’s Immigration Law – Mexico enters the arena of contention; seeking to defy the law in the Arizona Federal Court, as unconstitutional. Mexico states that its own interests and its citizens’ rights are at stake.

This is believed to be the first case where a foreign country has taken legal recourse against an independent state in the US. The law, requiring police investigating incidents of crime or breaches in minor infractions, to demand proof of citizenship; is being touted as unconstitutional. Being in Arizona illegally will be considered a misdemeanor; prohibiting seeking day –labor.

Mexico has “grave concerns” over the situation in Arizona and would hate to have relations between the two countries contingent on the frustration of one state. Stating concerns of racial profiling, the hindering of trade and tourism, continued work between the countries when it comes to crime and drug trafficking – the Arizona law could cause tension between the two countries; causing a riff in the diplomacy the nations have made in the last few decades.

The brief, entered into the Arizona Federal Court states, “Mexican citizens will be afraid to visit Arizona for work or pleasure out of concern that they will be subject to unlawful police scrutiny and detention.”

Governor Jan BrewerJan Brewer was “very disappointed” upon hearing Mexico’s legal actions against her state. She reiterated that “I believe that Arizona will ultimately prevail and that our laws will be found constitutional.”