By KRWG News
New Mexico – New Mexico's three Catholic bishops are speaking out against a new law in Arizona that cracks down on illegal immigrants.
The bishops have issued a statement saying they are concerned the law could lead to racial profiling, community distrust and a pervasive fear among immigrants.
Arizona's law would make it a state crime to be in the U.S. illegally. Set to take effect in late July or early August, the law directs state and local police to question people about their immigration status if there is reason to suspect they are illegal.
The New Mexico Catholic bishops say immigration reform is needed at the national level to deal with disparities in current immigration law and that Arizona's measure "is not in keeping with the best traditions of our nation."
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.