WASHINGTON - June 24, 2010 - Mexico has asked a United States District Court to declare Arizona's new immigration law unconstitutional, arguing that it would compromise relations between the two countries.
Citing an interest in defending the rights of its citizens, lawyers for Mexico submitted a legal brief Tuesday backing one of five lawsuits challenging the law, The Associated Press reported. The legislation, which gives police power to stop and question anyone they suspect is in the country illegally, goes into effect June 29.
Mexico said it had "grave concerns" that the law passed in April would lead to racial profiling, hinder trade and tourism, and damage cross-border efforts to fight drug crimes, the AP said.
"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," the brief said.
Mexico said its interest in having consistent relations with the United States shouldn't be hindered by one state, according to the AP.
A federal judge in Arizona will decide whether to accept Mexico's request, along with similar briefs submitted by groups within the United States.
