Mexican diplomat prepares for Arizona law

PHOENIX, May 12 (UPI) -- The Mexican government's chief diplomat for Arizona and Nevada says he is making plans for Arizona's new immigration enforcement law.

Consul General Victor Manuel Trevino Escudero, 50, says his Phoenix office anticipates an exodus of Mexicans from Arizona when the law takes effect, The (Phoenix) Arizona Republic reported Wednesday.

Trevino Escudero told the newspaper he is urging Mexicans to stay calm and not pull their children out of school.

"But if the school year ends, and the law is enforced, then you have to take proper action," he says.

Trevino Escudero says that as an official of Mexico he respects the sovereignty and laws of the United States, including Arizona's new immigration law.

The Mexican government is reportedly boosting the number of people who work in the consulate to aid Mexicans living legally and illegally in Arizona.

The government is also said to be considering filing legal briefs in support of several lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of Arizona's new law, which requires state and local law enforcement officers to check immigration status if a person is "reasonably suspected" of being in the United States illegally.