THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT FILES A "FRIEND OF THE COURT" BRIEF IN THE SUIT AGAINST ARIZONA SB1070

The Foreign Ministry reports that the Mexican government filed a "Friend of the Court" (Amicus Curiae) brief before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in support of a new legal action brought by a coalition of U.S. civil society organizations against Arizona SB 1070.

The goal is to continue to block section five of the law, which criminalizes transporting and harboring undocumented individuals, from coming into force. The organizations bringing the suit are asking the Court of Appeals to dismiss the challenge by the Arizona government last November.

As in past "Friend of the Court" briefs presented for the Valle del Sol et al v. Michael B. Whiting case, the Mexican government reiterates that the entry into force of section five of SB1070 would harm the bilateral relationship and impede effective bilateral cooperation. It would also create immigration laws contradictory to federal laws that would criminalize immigration and create the possibility of their selective application, which would affect the fundamental rights of Mexican citizens residing in or visiting Arizona.

The Mexican government, through its embassy and consulates in the United States, will continue to highlight the contributions of immigrants to their host communities, and to promote and defend the fundamental rights of all Mexicans abroad, regardless of their immigration status.