2 Mexican schools halt University of Arizona student-exchange programs over immigration law

Mexican schools halt exchange programs over AZ law

PHOENIX — Two Mexican universities have halted student-exchange programs with the University of Arizona because of the state’s tough new immigration law.

UA officials say the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City and the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi in eastern Mexico were worried their students would be harassed.

The decision immediately affects 14 students who were scheduled to visit this summer. Francisco Marmolejo, UA’s assistant vice president for western hemisphere programs, says four of those 14 are nursing students from San Luis Potosi, and 10 are scientific researchers from UNAM, as the national college is known.

UA President Robert Shelton sent a letter to both universities expressing disappointment. Marmolejo says the University of Arizona respects the decision and understands their concerns.

Information from: The Arizona Republic, www.azcentral.com