El Consulado dio puntual seguimiento al caso de la señora Villegas de la Paz desde su detención en julio de 2008 y trabajó con ella, sus abogados y organizaciones pro inmigrantes en apoyo a las acciones legales que resultaron en la conclusión favorable de este caso.
El Consulado General en Atlanta reitera su compromiso de brindar la asistencia y protección consular a la comunidad mexicana en los estados de Alabama, Georgia y Tennessee.
Atlanta, Georgia, October 28th, 2014
Statement by the Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta on the case of Mexican immigrant Juana Villegas de la Paz in Tennessee.
The Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta welcomes the successful processing and issuance of a “U” visa to Mexican immigrant Juana Villegas de la Paz, who was victim of abuse by police officers of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Sheriff (Tennessee) during her arrest and when she gave birth to her child in custody, in 2008. The case of Ms. Villegas de la Paz sets an important precedent in the United States: it is the first time that a person receives a “U” visa certification by a federal judge because of the violation of her civil rights by a U.S. authority.
The Consulate has been following the case of Ms. Villegas de la Paz since she was arrested in July 2008, and has been working with her, her lawyers and pro immigrant organizations to support the legal actions, which led to the favorable outcome of her case.
The Consulate General reiterates its commitment to provide consular assistance and protection to the Mexican community in the states of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.