The Japan Federation of Bar Associations and nonprofit organizations voiced concern Wednesday that bills to revise immigration laws will violate the human rights of foreign residents.
The bills were submitted to the Diet earlier this month and will be deliberated on soon.
Critics of the bills also said punishments for violators of the revised laws, including a fine of up to ¥200,000 for those not carrying the new "zairyu" (residence) card that will replace the current alien registration cards, are too harsh.