New Mexico Bishops Critical Of Arizona Immigration Law

New Mexico’s three Catholic bishops are speaking out against a new law in Arizona that cracks down on illegal immigrants.

The bishops have issued a statement saying they are concerned the law could lead to racial profiling, community distrust and a pervasive fear among immigrants.

Arizona’s law would make it a state crime to be in the U.S. illegally. Set to take effect in late July or early August, the law directs state and local police to question people about their immigration status if there is reason to suspect they are illegal.

The New Mexico Catholic bishops, including Las Cruces Bishop Ricardo Ramirez, say immigration reform is needed at the national level to deal with disparities in current immigration law and that Arizona’s measure “is not in keeping with the best traditions of our nation.”

“It’s happened already in some parts of New Mexico, this kind of racial profiling has happened even without a law like (in) Arizona,” Ramirez told ABC-7. “Sure, we need to protect our border but at same time we have to balance that with respect for people.”