If Roles Were Reversed? U.S. Citizens Would be Arrested for Protesting in Mexico
As you’ve probably heard, Arizona Republican Gov. Jan Brewer signed a bill on April 23, 2010 that gives state police the authority to question whether an individual is in the United States legally and would consider it a crime for people to be unlawfully in the state. She said she was forced to act because Washington has failed to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs from Mexico. Under the new law, people without proper documentation could be arrested and face jail time of up to six months and a fine of $2,500.00.
Voice of America’s, VOANews.com reports today that Mexico has issued a travel alert for it’s citizens traveling to Arizona. In a statement, Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it urges Mexicans to “act with prudence and with respect to the local legal framework.” The statement goes on to say that once the law takes effect, every Mexican citizen may be harassed and questioned without further cause at any time.
This brings up a valid question. Specifically, what laws does Mexico have in place to deal with foreigners within its borders? According to the San Bernadino Sun, Mexico’s constitution and its General Population Act – its main law addressing immigration – include provisions that make it a felony to be an illegal immigrant and allow for local police to aid immigration authorities in making arrests.
Be Heard Not Herded 