Politics

Peru’s foreign relations commission to analyze controversial Arizona law

Peru’s Congressional Foreign Relations Commission will analyze a controversial Arizona state immigration law that empowers police to question anyone they have a “reasonable suspicion” is an illegal immigrant, and to jail those who fail to produce documents on the spot to prove their legal status.

Congresswoman Luisa Maria Cuculiza, the president of the commission, said lawmakers will take up the issue when they convene next week to see what measures they can take to protect Peruvians in Arizona who might fall victim to the draconian law, Peru’s state-run news agency Andina reported.

“On Monday the commission will meet to discuss the topic, because to me it appears to be a very discriminatory law,” Cuculiza said. “It is discriminatory treatment and I believe in the 21st century they shouldn’t act in this manner.”

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed the bill into law last Friday, saying it “represents what’s best for Arizona.” 

The law, which is to be enacted in 90 days, allows police to arrest and question people about their immigration status without a warrant. It makes it illegal to be in the state without proper documentation, while making it a crime for companies who hire illegal immigrants or those who provide transportation for them in Arizona.

The legislation has faced strong criticism from across Latin America, as well from U.S. civil rights organizations, Hispanic lawmakers in Washington and U.S. President Barack Obama, who said the law “threatens to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.”

He said he had instructed members of his Justice Department to examine the civil rights implications of the law.

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