THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS REGRETS THE ENACTMENT OF A NEW IMMIGRATION LAW IN ALABAMA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the deep concern of the Government of Mexico over the enactment of Alabama’s HB 658 Law, and its rejection of the potential negative effects that its enforcement would have on the Mexican community that resides in that state. The bill was signed today by Governor Robert Bentley.

The new law maintains worrisome elements contained in the HB 56 Law that was enacted in 2011. Additionally, it includes provisions that may lead to discretionary law enforcement and human rights violations, and may also foster animosity within the state. Several non-governmental and non-partisan organizations in the United States have thoroughly documented cases of undue enforcement of HB 56, resulting from the provisions that were not temporarily enjoined by Federal Courts last year. HB 658 has the potential to aggravate those circumstances.

The Government of Mexico, through its Embassy in the United States and its consular network, will continue to provide the necessary assistance and consular protection to all Mexicans in order to ensure the respect of their fundamental rights, regardless of their immigration status. Additionally, it will support legal actions that are filed by civil society organizations in the United States against this new law.