Mexico slams Georgia migrant law

[almaty 19]

Mexico slams Georgia migrant law

The issue has polarised opinion in the US

The Mexican government has condemned a tough new immigration law passed in the US state of Georgia on Monday.

Presidential spokesman Ruben Aguilar said the legislation discriminated against Mexicans and that diplomats would monitor how it was applied.

The law, which will take effect next year, prevents illegal immigrants from receiving many social services.

It will also require police and employers to report undocumented workers to the Immigration Service.

Complex issue

The signing of the legislation comes amid deadlock in the US Congress about how to deal with illegal immigration, as well as nationwide protests by worried Latino groups.

"The referred legislation incurs discriminatory acts against the Mexican population and those of Mexican origin," Mr Aguilar said.

"It is a partial measure that fails to resolve the complex phenomenon of immigration between Mexico and the United States in an integral manner."

Since becoming Mexico's president in 2000, Vicente Fox has been pressing for reforms that would allow more Mexicans to work legally in the US.

'Not anti-immigrant'

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, who signed the bill, said it was intended to ensure that everyone who lives in Georgia abides by the laws there.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that our famous Georgia hospitality is not abused, that our taxpayers are not taken advantage of and that our citizens are protected," Mr Perdue.

"I want to make this clear: we are not, Georgia's government is not, and this bill is not anti-immigrant," Gov Perdue said.

The law, which will take effect in July 2007, will also impose prison terms for human trafficking and limit the services commercial companies can provide to illegal immigrants.

BBC correspondents say the move has come at a difficult time in the US as there have been country-wide protests over a federal immigration law currently being debated in the Senate.

"It is a punitive bill," said the president of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Sara Gonzalez.

"This is a very complicated issue, and I don't see any good coming out of this."

There are an estimated 11 million undocumented workers in the US.

[Mirorgate 0]

Meanwhile, somewhere in Mexico... Soldiers are shaking down illegals there for $, or sex, or both to let them pass on way to "Eldorado".

Yeah, thats right kettle... how YOU doin??

[Sister Fracas 5]

hmm let's see...

- prevents illegal immigrants from receiving many social services.....check!

- require police and employers to report undocumented workers to the Immigration Service.....check!

Sounds good to me.

[*Robert* 2]

hmm let's see...

- prevents illegal immigrants from receiving many social services.....check!

- require police and employers to report undocumented workers to the Immigration Service.....check!

Sounds good to me.

I don't remember reading anything that said the new laws would only pertain to illegal Mexican immigrants? hmmm...

[dalegg 143]

I don't remember reading anything that said the new laws would only pertain to illegal Mexican immigrants? hmmm...

sounds like someone has a guilty conscience.

[almaty 19]

hmm let's see...

- prevents illegal immigrants from receiving many social services.....check!

- require police and employers to report undocumented workers to the Immigration Service.....check!

Sounds good to me.

i agree also...

[I'm Gone 60]

Now if the other 49 states would do the same.

[Jasman0717 9]

Meanwhile, somewhere in Mexico... Soldiers are shaking down illegals there for $, or sex, or both to let them pass on way to "Eldorado".

Yeah, thats right kettle... how YOU doin??

[jordanianprincess 0]

You know I just have to say, I think it would be faster if I sent my fiance to Mexico, had him marry a mexican citizen and get citizenship there. Hop over to California and get amnesty. What do you think?

[kc456 0]

You know I just have to say, I think it would be faster if I sent my fiance to Mexico, had him marry a mexican citizen and get citizenship there. Hop over to California and get amnesty. What do you think?

I would not count on it. Nothing will change. The strict Federal law won't pass, but immigrants won't have more rights either.

The reason is simple. If measures are harsher against illegal migrants and barriers to employing them will have an impact on the US economy. If you give migrant workers more rights then they will have to pay them decently and give them benefits. Big businesses need illegal worker because they have no rights and can exploit them at will, and this will eventually determine US policy on immigration.

[jordanianprincess 0]

You know I just have to say, I think it would be faster if I sent my fiance to Mexico, had him marry a mexican citizen and get citizenship there. Hop over to California and get amnesty. What do you think?

I would not count on it. Nothing will change. The strict Federal law won't pass, but immigrants won't have more rights either.

The reason is simple. If measures are harsher against illegal migrants and barriers to employing them will have an impact on the US economy. If you give migrant workers more rights then they will have to pay them decently and give them benefits. Big businesses need illegal worker because they have no rights and can exploit them at will, and this will eventually determine US policy on immigration.

It was more of a joke than anything else

[kc456 0]

It was more of a joke than anything else

I sure hoped so!

The bottom line though is that nothing will change in the US immigration policy... That's why it's so hypocritical.

[Sinergy 3]

Now if the other 49 states would do the same.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Presidential spokesman Ruben Aguilar said the legislation discriminated against Mexicans and that diplomats would monitor how it was applied.

Are you kidding me? Who gives a ** what the Mexican government thinks? They should be busy looking in the fcuking mirror when it comes to the treatment of illegal immigrants. It's about time that diplomats from south of their fcuking border monitor and expose the criminal and violent tactics that the Mexican government has going on and most likely encourages. Bastards!

[jordanianprincess 0]

It was more of a joke than anything else

I sure hoped so!

The bottom line though is that nothing will change in the US immigration policy... That's why it's so hypocritical.

LoL, I am in complete agreement with you about the immigration policy, but I do think they will change, but I am against it. It was more of sarcasim than anything else. It took 5 months for my K-1 to get approved and we are looking at 1 year wait time for an interview. Illegal's have more rights than tax paying citizens.