New Mexico Catholic Bishops Speak Out

Against the New Arizona Immigration Law

Albuquerque, NM, Monday, April 26, 2010--

In union with our fellow Bishops in Arizona, we Catholic Bishops in New Mexico speak out strongly against the new Arizona Immigration Law. The Law would require police to question people about their immigration status – including asking for identification – if they suspect someone is in the Country illegally. We are concerned that legal immigrants and U.S. Citizens would probably be interrogated by the police if they look Hispanic, or in any other way, foreign. The law would lead to racial profiling, community distrust and a pervasive fear among immigrants. It would also cause immigrants to hesitate to report crimes or to cooperate with the authorities and other investigations. Serious questions have also been raised about the constitutionality of the law and it is likely that legal challenges will be brought against the law by the U. S. Justice Department.

It is clear that we need immigration reform at the National level in order to deal with the disparities in the present immigration law. We Bishops are concerned that other States might try to initiate such a wrongheaded law as well. We hope that the implementation of the law will be stopped. It is not in keeping with the best traditions of our Nation.