THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT FILES A FRIEND OF THE COURT BRIEF AGAINST SB1070 IN THE U.S. SUPREME COURT

The Foreign Ministry reports that the Mexican government filed a Friend of the Court (Amicus Curiae) brief with the U.S. Supreme Court today in support of the U.S. government in the Arizona vs. United States case on Arizona SB 1070. Similar briefs were presented previously in support of lawsuits alleging unconstitutionality brought by civil society organizations and the U.S. government on June 22, 2010 in the U.S. District Court of Arizona and October 1, 2010 in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

In the brief, the Mexican government says that SB1070 negatively impacts the bilateral relationship and impedes effective bilateral cooperation by attempting to create a framework for immigration that is other than that established by federal law. It also notes that certain sections of the law criminalize immigration and may be applied selectively, affecting the rights of Mexicans residing in or visiting Arizona. In addition, it states that other U.S. states have adopted similar although not identical legislation and that in each case the Mexican government has responded by strengthening its consular protection and assistance and explaining its position to the U.S. courts. 

The government of Mexico thanks the governments of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay for joining its Friend of the Court brief.

Mexico will pay close attention to the hearing for this case scheduled for April 25 and will continue to use all legal means at its disposal to safeguard the rights of Mexicans living in or visiting the United States, regardless of their immigration status.