El Salvador concerned over anti-migrant law in U.S. state

El Salvador on Thursday expressed "profound concerns" over a U.S. law targeting migrants in the southern U.S. state of Arizona.

The Salvadorian foreign ministry said in an online statement that the law could lead to discrimination against migrants because of their physical appearance or ethnic origin.

"The Salvadorian government is worried to see the passing of this law, and makes an urgent call for the (Arizona) state governor to consider the preoccupation expressed by the Mexican and Central American governments," the statement added.

The Arizona state legislature has passed a bill into law that forces police to investigate every report of illegal immigration and gives citizens the right to sue police officers who do not investigate such reports.

Migrant groups in the United States say the legislation will be used by racists to harass residents from ethnic minorities.

On Wednesday, Mexico's embassy in the United States wrote to the U.S. government expressing "grave concern for the potentially serious consequences" of the law.

"This ministry is firmly committed to looking out for the respect and promotion of Salvadorians' human rights overseas," the statement said, adding that embassies would continue actively protecting their citizens, regardless of migratory status.

Arizona State Governor Jan Brewer has not yet signed the new bill into law, but she has not made any statement suggesting she will not do so.

Source:Xinhua

Newer Post Older Post