The states of Oklahoma and Georgia promoted laws that seek to penalize illegal migrationacts that were claimed by the government of Mexico.
On the one hand, Kevin Stittgovernor of Oklahoma, signed the entry into force of Law HB 4156with which it seeks to implement a restrictive approach for travelers.
Regarding this new rule, the Mexican Consulate in the state explained that seeks to create a new state crime called “unpermitted occupation”which applies when a person enters the United States without permission and remains in Oklahoma without authorization.
For her part, the chancellor Alicia Barcena He regretted that it was signed yesterday. “We reject HB 4156 in Oklahoma. “One more of these anti-immigrant state legislations”he snapped.
He acknowledged that with this new rule, Governor Stitt has created the Oklahoma Work Permits and Visas Working Group, of which Mexico will be part.
“We appreciate the task force established by Governor Stitt and which includes our consul Edurne Pineda to act in defense and protection of our Mexican community. “They are not alone!”
Regarding Law HB1105which was signed by the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) warned that it may affect compatriots in the state.
This law, called the “Law for Monitoring and Reporting Criminal Aliens,” seeks to intensify cooperation between local and federal authorities on immigration matters.
RELEASE. “The Mexican Consulate in Oklahoma City intensifies consular services, assistance and protection following the approval of state measure HB4156.”
HB4156 creates a state crime called “impermissible occupation” that is committed when a… pic.twitter.com/1ts8Qpm1db
— Foreign Affairs (@SRE_mx) May 1, 2024
For this reason, the Foreign Ministry warned that “could have serious consequences including the separation of families, discriminatory and racial profiling practicesas well as the potential decrease in complaints to law enforcement agencies due to fear of immigration repercussions.”
“The Mexican community is fundamental to the state of Georgia, where lHispanics make up more than 11 percent of the total population”, recalled the SRE.
Furthermore, he added that “this community plays a crucial role in strengthening the local economy, especially in key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, construction and services.”
Family separation, discriminatory practices and racial profiling are the severe consequences of the recently approved anti-immigration law HB1105 in Georgia. 🇲🇽 will reinforce consular assistance to guarantee the rights of our migrants. Mexican community is not alone.
— Alicia Bárcena (@aliciabarcena) May 2, 2024
Bárcena also claimed this case, since she considered that it could have unfortunate consequences for fellow citizens.
In this sense, he also insisted that “Mexico will strengthen consular assistance to guarantee the rights of our migrants. “Mexican community, you are not alone.”
