GAEL GARCIA BERNAL - BERNAL CONCERNED OVER AMERICA'S ANTI-IMMIGRATION STANCE

Mexican actor GAEL GARCIA BERNAL is concerned about the US government's immigration policies, insisting the country should applaud its eclectic mix of cultures.

US President GEORGE W BUSH and his administration have tightened immigration laws since the 11 September (01) terrorist attacks, and signed a new law this year (05), allowing a border fence to be built in San Diego, California, in the hope of deterring illegal Mexican immigrants.

Some conservative Americans have claimed Latin immigration is "diluting" the US culture and changing the American English language.

Bernal says, "These are scary times. This kind of thing is allowed now after September 11.

"As if the US wasn't made rich by all the people that came and brought their culture with them."