Mexico Should Not Interfere in U.S. Immigration Policy

Washington, DC – Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX) sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today related to the state visit of President Felipe Calderon of Mexico. Ranking Member Smith notes in the letter that officials of the Mexican government have a long history of interference in the internal affairs of the United States, particularly in regard to U.S. immigration policy. Smith asks that Clinton request Mexican officials to refrain from additional interference in the future.

Ranking Member Smith said, "In their advocacy efforts on behalf of Mexican citizens living in the United States, President Calderon and other officials of the Mexican government have crossed the line and are interfering in the internal affairs of the United States.

“It is well recognized in international law that immigration controls are an internal matter, and not subject to international scrutiny. Yet, President Calderon has opposed the recently enacted Arizona immigration law, which in fact mirrors federal law. Mexican government officials openly talk of a Mexican government boycott of Arizona, but make no effort to prevent their citizens from going there. These latest actions are part of a long history of interference in sovereign American affairs.

"American public officials have the right and the responsibility to implement an immigration policy that is in the best interests of the American people. We should be able to do so without interference from officials of the Mexican government. I urge you to transmit this request to our Mexican friends.”