The Mexican government submitted an affidavit to the District Court for the Western District of Texas in San Antonio today in support of a request by civil society organizations to suspend entry into force of Texas SB4, which is scheduled for September 1. Laws such as SB4 further criminalize migration; open the door to possible acts of racial discrimination; erode the collaboration of the migrant community with local authorities; and create a climate of persecution.
The affidavit underscores the Mexican government's respect for the laws and legal processes of the United States. However, it reiterates Mexico's concern about the possible negative consequences of SB4 on the Mexican community and on those of Mexican origin, who represent one-third of Texas’s total population.
The affidavit provides data on the effect that passage of SB4 and the expectation of its entry into force has already had on the Mexican community, based on statistics that show an increase in consular services.
It points out that the number of calls to the Center for Information and Assistance for Mexicans (CIAM) made by Mexicans in Texas during May and June increased by 678% over the same period last year. There was also a 32.4% increase in the number of documents issued to Mexicans.
The document notes that there was a 45% increase from January to May 2017 in the number of civil cases receiving consular protection services in Mexico's 11 consulates in Texas, compared to the same period last year.
It also points out that, over the six weeks prior to passage of the law, 585 Mexican citizens asked for legal advice at Mexico's consulates in Texas, while that number increased to 926 in the six weeks after passage, a 60% jump. During that same period, the number of Mexicans requesting information on how to become naturalized US citizens increased by over 27%.
These statistics reflect the uncertain situation faced by our community in Texas as a result of this law and the anxiety surrounding its entry into force.
The Mexican government will follow the legal case against SB4 on an ongoing basis and will take all legal actions at its disposal to continue protecting the Mexican citizens who live in and visit Texas.