Immigration Politics - Georgia: Mexico raises concerns over Georgia illegal immigration bill

Mexico raises concerns over Georgia illegal immigration bill | ajc.com: "Atlanta’s Mexican Consulate is expressing concerns over the “potentially grave effects” pending legislation targeting illegal immigration could have on Mexican nationals here.

In a statement released Friday, the consulate singled out House Bill 87, which passed Georgia’s House on Thursday. Among other things, HB 87 would authorize state and local police to verify the immigration status of certain suspects. It also would punish certain people who knowingly transport or harbor illegal immigrants here.

“As many local human rights organizations have already expressed, the consulate shares the view that measures focused on criminalizing migrants open possibilities for undue law enforcement practices and racial profiling,” the consulate said in its statement.

“Mexico also expresses its concern over the possible negative effects that this kind of bill could have on the friendship, trade, culture and tourism links that have traditionally united our country with Georgia. Mexico is the state’s third largest international market.”"