"Mexican archdiocese criticizes Arizona law limiting migrant benefits"

MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- The Archdiocese of Mexico City has joined the nation's politicians in criticizing a new Arizona law that restricts illegal migrants' access to some public services.

"We have already said many times that (illegal migrants) are not criminals," Mexico City Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera told reporters following Mass Jan. 16. "They merely leave their ... country in search of work and ... governments (should) respect their human rights."

An editorial in the Mexico City Archdiocese's weekly newsletter was more blunt in its criticism, saying the Arizona law "was another example of political arrogance and social selfishness that has characterized some governments in the United States."

Cardinal Rivera expressed concern that the new law could be adopted in other states.

"Fortunately, this is an isolated case up until now," he said...

Fortunately, he will probably be proved wrong shortly.

Immigration2005a · Thu, 01/27/2005 - 21:22 · · Importance: 1