Immigration

Arizona's anti-immigration law has garnered considerable attention, not just throughout the United States but also in Mexico. Officials there are preparing for an anticipated influx of migrants returning voluntarily or otherwise.

The federal government has challenged the constitutionality of the law that makes it a state crime to be in the country illegally. Police are also required to check a person's legal status, if they have been involved in another incident or the officer has reasonable cause to believe the individual might be in the country illegally.

The Obama administration argues that the law infringes on a federal role — controlling immigration — and will lead to racial stereotyping. Mexico has filed a "friend of the court" brief supporting the administration.

Mexico is also readying for new arrivals and deportees expected if the law takes effect.

The Mexican Foreign Ministry has added workers to its Phoenix consulate staff to assist detained Mexicans and is handing out pamphlets about the law. The state shelter for children in Nogales, Sonora, increased its beds from 100 to 150.

The law has also become a topic among deported illegal aliens. "Everybody knows it's coming," said one deportee arriving in Mexico City from Tucson recently.

"I think people are going to think harder about it and decide not to risk it, because it's scary to think that you'll be tried as a criminal and they'll want to put you in jail," said another illegal immigrant, who had just been apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol.

It is still a few days before the law takes effect, if a federal judge allows it, but the impact of Arizona's law is already being felt.