¡Alto Arizona!

How racial profiling cases changed #Arizona policing

Concerns about SB 1070 echo incidents from 1997, 2001

by JJ Hensley and Michelle Ye Hee Lee - Jul. 26, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Arizona's new illegal-immigration enforcement law has raised a host of concerns from critics, but none more prevalent than the pervasive fear that the law will lead police officers to target those who look Hispanic.

Those concerns are not unfounded. It has happened in Arizona before.

Racial profiling - stopping and questioning individuals based strictly on their race or ethnicity - is in most cases illegal. It is also easy to allege but difficult to prove in individual cases.

Two episodes in Arizona brought problems with racial profiling to the fore. The police agencies involved were left paying out settlements, implementing new training measures and overhauling their procedures to fend off similar claims in the future.

The term "racial profiling" didn't appear in the pages of The Arizona Republic until May 1998, in a story about an incident involving New Jersey State Police. By then, however, the potential for profiling was well-known in the Phoenix area because of a 1997 immigration sweep in low-income Chandler neighborhoods.

GRITtv: Sarahi Uribe: Is #Arizona to Blame?

GRITtv: Sarahi Uribe: Is Arizona to Blame?
Uploaded by grittv. - Watch the latest news videos.

In recent months, many have blamed, boycotted, and blasphemed Arizona for SB 1070. However, it is not all state law that is to blame. A few years ago, the United States Justice Department passed 287 G, a statute that puts immigration control in the hands of local police. Would SB 1070 be possible without these deeper, more established roots? Nevertheless, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton put controversial sections of the law, such as police officers checking immigration status, on hold, handing a legal victory to the bill's opponents. Though the law will still go into effect this Thursday, this ruling could criminalize otherwise legal aspects of the crackdown. Sarahi Uribe from the National Day Laborer's Organizing Network joined us from Arizona to elaborate on this law, and describe the local, national, and international reaction as SB 1070 goes into effect this week. Distributed by Tubemogul.

(via DailyMotion.com GRITtv)

#Arizona #immigration law: Key parts struck down by judge

U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton has issued a preliminary injunction preventing several sections of Arizona's new immigration law from becoming law, at least until the courts have a chance to hear the full case.

Key parts of Senate Bill 1070 that will not go into effect Thursday:

•  The portion of the law that requires an officer make a reasonable attempt to determine the immigration status of a person stopped, detained or arrested if there's reasonable suspicion they're in the country illegally.

•  The portion that creates a crime of failure to apply for or carry "alien-registration papers."

•  The portion that makes it a crime for illegal immigrants to solicit, apply for or perform work. (This does not include the section on day laborers.)

•  The portion that allows for a warrantless arrest of a person where there is probable cause to believe they have committed a public offense that makes them removable from the United States.

The ruling says that law enforcement still must enforce federal immigration laws to the fullest extent of the law when SB 1070 goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. Individuals will still be able to sue an agency if they adopt a policy that restricts such enforcement

'Rage' Against Arizona Law #SB1070 (Video)

Rap metal giants Rage Against the Machine headlined a concert benefiting organizations fighting SB 1070.

Political rhetoric ignores reality at United States border with Mexico

'Secure first' calls ignore facts, undermine reform

by Dennis Wagner - Jun. 20, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Amid a growing national angst about undocumented immigration, Americans keep hearing a chorus: Secure the border first. Then talk about immigration reform.

The idea appeals to public sentiment, and it seems like a simple demand.

But what do pundits and politicians mean?

Is a border secure only when no one crosses undocumented and when no contraband slips through?

If some permeability is acceptable, what is the tolerable amount?

Political leaders mostly dodge those questions, and for good reason: Anyone with a minimal knowledge or understanding about the nearly 2,000-mile swath of land between Mexico and the United States realizes that requiring a secure border establishes an impossible standard.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s crime sweeps have little effect, analysis shows

by JJ Hensley - Jun. 21, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s announcement that he will mark the dawn of Arizona’s new immigration law next month with a crime-suppression operation should catch nobody by surprise.

Arpaio has been one of the most vocal supporters of the law. And he has made headlines for more than two years with his controversial immigration sweeps, typically placing dozens of deputies in neighborhoods with large Hispanic populations and ordering them to stop anyone for any violation.

What might surprise people is this: Arpaio’s agency is the only one in Arizona conducting such operations, and most law-enforcement observers say they would be surprised if other police and sheriff’s departments model their policies after Arpaio’s.

Though few law-enforcement officials will speak publicly about it, their records suggest an unwillingness to follow Arpaio’s lead. No other Arizona law-enforcement agencies have taken the same initiative Arpaio has in launching immigration sweeps.

Miranda rights may complicate #SB1070 enforcement

by Gary Nelson and Michael Ferraresi - Jun. 23, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

As the effective date of Arizona’s new immigration law nears, new concerns are being raised by municipal officials about how to effectively enforce it without creating a legal and financial quagmire.

At a public forum Tuesday, two southeast Valley mayors said the law could boomerang on its authors by actually reducing immigration enforcement because of its rigid legal requirements.

Meanwhile, Phoenix’s Police Chief Jack Harris estimated enforcement could cost Phoenix as much as $10 million annually in jail bookings forced by the law.

Senate Bill 1070, signed into law this spring by Gov. Jan Brewer, makes it a state crime to be in the country illegally. It says an officer engaged in a lawful stop, detention or arrest shall, when practicable, ask about a person’s legal status when reasonable suspicion exists that the person is in the U.S. illegally.

Brewer spokesman Paul Senseman defended the bill, noting that many Arizona law-enforcement agencies have endorsed SB 1070.

“Governor Brewer, when she signed the bill, had standing behind her representatives of several law-enforcement organizations that represent a cross-section of law enforcement around the state,” Senseman said. “They are the folks that are on the front lines of enforcing our laws. They believe this is a useful and additional tool in protecting Arizona and enforcing our laws. . . . Rank-and-file officers who actually are involved in the daily affairs have expressed their support.”

But as the finer points of the law have come under scrutiny by those who must enforce it, more worries are coming to light.

Rage Against the Machine Rocks Hollywood Palladium in Anti-#SB1070 Concert

By Stephen Lemons, Sat., Jul. 24 2010 @ 2:01PM

De la Rocha onstage with the Puente crew

Of all the high points in Rage Against the Machine's anti-SB 1070 concert at the Hollywood Palladium Friday night, the one that made it worth the six hour trek from Phoenix to Los Angeles for me was when Rage front man Zack de la Rocha dedicated the incendiary anthem "Killing in the Name" to "Sheriff Joe Arpaio and all of his fucking violent antics."

De la Rocha couldn't have picked a better song for Arpaio, especially with lyrics like, "Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses," and, "You justify those that died by wearing the badge, they're the chosen whites."

The mention of Arpaio came at the end of the encore for the set, and de la Rocha seemed to take particular relish in the lyrics after the invocation of Arpaio's name. At times, here and throughout the concert, the singer jumped up and down with such ferocity that it looked like he was trying to stomp Arpaio and/or SB 1070 into oblivion.

It was hardly the only mention of Sand Land politics. Though the weather outside was cool, almost chilly, it was the heat and oppression of Arizona that dominated the Palladium's interior.

TABOO from "Black Eyed Peas:" new song 'One Heart, One Beat' opposing #SB1070

Music video for Taboo's new song 'One Heart, One Beat' opposing Arizona's Bill 1070 against illegal immigration. In the song you will hear Dolores Huerta, Eva Longoria, Oscar De La Hoya, Shakira & Juanes also in opposition to the bill. Produced & Directed by D Zapa Media, LLC. Contact 323-388-7273 or dzapamedia@yahoo.com

From Arizona to @ladygaga: denounce #SB1070

Read the letters for Lady Gaga sent by  two members of the LGBTQ community who are on the frontlines of the struggle against SB1070. We are asking that Lady Gaga meet with us so that she can speak out against hate and be a champion of our cause. We hope that she can spread awareness to her fan base, allowing us to create a LGBTQ movement with momentum against hate.

Hello Ms. Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta,

My name is Victor Medina and I am an organizer/activist with a local human/civil/indigenous rights movement called Puente. I've been working with The Puente Movement for two years and know firsthand the assault that has been happening to people of color in our state. 

The situation in Arizona has come to a boiling point. Our people are being attacked, targeted by the color of our skin, and how we speak by certain recent laws passed. One of the laws; SB1070 has been a huge slap in the face to people of color here in Arizona, targeting the Chicano/Mexicano/migrant community, and adding more power to the racial cleansing that is happening to a Latino rich state. Families are being ripped apart, people are living in fear, and local law enforcements are abusive and are a threat to our peace as people. The list of atrocities goes on, the pain goes deeper, and the negative forces that are trying to divide and conquer us is showing no signs of relent. 

Rage Against Machine energize fans at gig to protest #Arizona immigration Law #SB1070

By Erik Pedersen, Reuters

LOS ANGELES – Hordes of police cruisers circled the Hollywood Palladium on Friday as Rage Against the Machine played its first hometown show in a decade to protest Arizona’s new immigration law.

The men in blue were quite aware of the potential for disobedience civil or otherwise. But the rare chance to see one of Los Angeles’ greatest bands, especially in its natural habitat, must have outweighed any urge to stir things up.

Not that things weren’t incendiary inside the renovated old hall as the politically charged quartet took the stage: At the first beats of the opening Testify, mosh pits kicked up instantly, like sprinters leaving the blocks after the starting gun. And it was on.
Singer Zack de la Rocha’s spoken-spat vitriol provoked raised fists and voices. Tom Morello’s technically precise, Zeppelin-like riffs careened around the room. And the Palladium floor was like a single pulsating organism, with people not just jumping up and down but leaping.

But it wasn’t a flashpoint; it was a communal embrace. It was a night of protest rock ‘n’ roll in a pure form: angry, relevant lyrics over simple guitar-bass-drum tracks. And it was outstanding.

Mexico sends human rights inspectors to border #SB1070

MEXICO CITY — Mexico's National Human Rights Commission said Monday it is sending inspectors to U.S. border crossings to monitor deportations that might result if Arizona's new immigration law goes into effect as planned Thursday.

The law is being challenged by the U.S. government in court, but the federal judge hearing the case hasn't indicated whether she might agree to the challenge's request that the measure be put on hold.

The government's rights commission said monitors will be stationed at border gates in Tijuana across from California, Nogales next to Arizona and Ciudad Juarez and Reynosa across from Texas to ensure migrants are treated properly.

"The implementation of the Arizona Law SB1070 represents a threat to migrants' full exercise of their human rights," the commission said in a statement. "The law violates the principles of nondiscrimination, equality before the law and freedom from arbitrary arrest."

Niños y madres marchan frente al Capitolio de Phoenix contra la Ley #SB1070 y la separación de familias #CNN

Community Members Arrested in Phoenix #SB1070 #altoarizona

By: Barni Qaasim

Today 7 people were arrested outside of the court house in an act of civil disobedience. his week in Phoenix a federal judge is hearing arguments from immigrant and civil rights groups, the Department of Justice and the State of Arizona over whether or not SB 1070 should be implemented on July 29.

While immigrant rights groups wait on a ruling from Judge Bolton about whether or not the law will go into effect, they are preparing locals, especially citizens, to not comply with SB 1070. The groups will ask people not to carry their ID's when they are out and about, and record their interactions with the police. The Alto!Arizona website urges people: "Don't work! Don't buy! Don't comply!"

Why Obama's "Secure Communities" Program May be More Dangerous Than Arizona

By STEWART J. LAWRENCE

It's one of the Obama administration's most important and secretive immigration enforcement programs. But despite growing concerns from civil libertarians and immigration activists about the way the program's been designed and implemented, it's caused barely a ripple in Congress or in the establishment media. And the White House continues to stonewall those seeking release of basic details about the program.

Known euphemistically as "Secure Communities," the program looks and sounds innocuous, and even beneficial. Why shouldn't the nation's jails be equipped with a federal database to help identify illegal immigrants who've been convicted of serious felonies like rape and murder to ensure that they're deported -- rather than released back into civilian life after they've completed their sentence?

Because that's not what Secure Communities is actually being used for, in fact. Rather than weed out incarcerated felons that could menace the public order, the program’s been targeting low-level misdemeanor offenders, including people who may be guilty of little more than running a stop sign or driving with a broken taillight.

And because those targeted by the program are "screened" through a special database at the time they're arrested, Secure Communities is actually focused on criminal suspects - those merely accused of wrongdoing - not aliens already convicted and serving time.

Even worse, according to the federal government’s own data, it turns out that many of these people, even the low-level offenders, are innocent. But they are getting rounded up and processed for deportation just the same.

Yaqui traditional healers verbally abused in southern Arizona

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

From Jose Matus, Yaqui, director, Indigenous Alliance without Borders

RED ALERT! - Yaqui Traditional Healers from Rio Yaqui Sonora, Mexico and Pascua Yaqui Staff were verbally abused and mistreated in a rrestaurant in Tumacacori, Arizona.

I am sharing this unfortunate incident with all of you to make you aware of the mistreatment of our Yaqui Women in Tumacacori. I will be meeting with the staff person that reported this incident to the Alianza Indigena to further document and take action action against this establishment.

Be aware you people of Color don't eat in Tumacacori!

Jose R. Matus, Alianza Indigena Sin Fronteras

Racial Profiling and Verbal Abuse of our Tribal People in Tumacacori

By Amalia Reyes

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I want to share with you an event that took place yesterday in Tumacacori around 6:00 p.m or so, where our tribal people, three who were from Rio Yaqui were yelled at and called “dumb Mexicans” and “mal educados”, by people who own a Greek restaurant in that small town, across from the Tumacacori National Park.

I had volunteered to drive to pick up our traditional healers from Rio Yaqui who were coming to the reservation for the Traditional Healing program in the Alternative Medicine Department. They were safely picked up at the bus station and we crossed into the U.S. My co-worker and I were tired and wanted a cup of coffee before we began the trip back to the Pascua Pueblo Reservation.

I drove into Tumacacori, hoping to get some coffee and found this restaurant. It said Gyros and it was open, so we stopped. The gentleman who approached me as I got out said that they did have coffee, but “not to go”, hence we went into the restaurant to sit down drink some coffee.

As we entered, we noticed that they seem to stare a little bit extra at us, as we were dressed in our traditional clothing. Two of us went into the restrooms while three of us were getting ready to be seated. The two traditional healers were standing, when the 60 year old woman, who was the waitress told them that they needed to buy something if they wanted to use the restaurant and gave us a harsh look. Our healers do not speak English.

Tom Horne, Arizona State Superintendent, & Michael Eric Dyson, Professor of Sociology at Georgetown, debate Anti-Ethnic Studies Law HB 2281

Visit http://democurmudgeon.blogspot.com

This CNN Anderson Cooper interview pretty much sums up the true intentions of conservative white supremacy in Arizona and America right now. The same arguments used to do away with affirmative action are now used to deny ethnic studies in our public schools. After all, it's crazy to think there's discrimination in America. With the election of our first black president, we should be celebrating our post racial future. Horne's use of Martin Luther King Jr.'s words "we should be judged by the content of our character and not the color of our skin" is out of context and typically used by the right as a way to deny racism exists.

Sup. Horne's insistence the Chicano/Mexican American studies programs is divisive is xenophobic enough to get him elected as the states next attorney general.

(via jpeter4333 Youtube.com)

#Arizona High Schools To Now Teach Spanish Entirely In English

(via The Onion)

"Turning the Tide on Immigration Enforcement," National Women and Children’s Advocacy Day, Washington, DC, July 15, 2010

On July 15, women and children from around the country gathered in Washington D.C. to share their stories and shine a light on the real life impact of immigration enforcement policies, such as Arizona’s SB1070, 287g agreements and the so-called “Secure Communities” programs, on families. The women and children gave personal accounts of how these programs threaten future generations of immigrant families in the U.S. Their testimony was a way of saying "enough is enough" to legislation and policies that spread fear, violate people's civil rights and tear families apart.

The testimonies were presented at a hearing titled, "Impact of Immigration Enforcement Policy on Children," chaired by Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona).

Several children gave their testimony on this day. Below are the transcripts from 2 of the children who gave their testimony that day:

Mariana C.

"My name is Mariana C. I am seven years old. I am from Lakewood, New Jersey. My mom is a member of New Labor. I don't like the law SB 1070 because it separates families. I don't live in Arizona but I am scared that that law might come to New Jersey because I'll get separated from my parents. I tell God and the president and the people who help him to do something so they can stop this law and all children can be with their parents forever. Thank you."

Aldo M.

"I'm eight years old. I live in Lakewood, New Jersey. My mom is a member of New Labor. I want to stop the law 1070 because I don't want them to separate me from my mom and dad. They came here to work not to do something bad. They only want a better life for us. They're only workers, they only want to work. I am scared that they will take them away. They are hiding from policemen. I am a kid and I want all children to be happy. My voice represents the voice of the children in Arizona. Thank you for listening. Thanks."

Utah Immigration List: Two State Employees ID'd As Source Of List Meant To Scare Immigrants

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah officials said Friday they have identified at least two state workers who apparently accessed confidential documents to create a list of 1,300 purported illegal immigrants that was mailed to law enforcement officials and the news media.

Gov. Gary Herbert said the employees work for the Department of Workforce Services, which administers food stamp programs and other public benefits. The employees have been placed on administrative leave, and the state attorney general will determine whether to file criminal charges.

"It's a very small group. The people we've identified certainly have some strong political opinions and seem to be frustrated with some of the issues around immigration," said Kristen Cox, executive director for the department. "I think it's an immense hypocrisy to talk about taking people to task for being illegal and doing so by breaking the law."

Newspapers started receiving the list of names and personal information this week, and its publicity created widespread fear in the Hispanic community. The anonymous mailing said it also was sent to immigration officials. It demanded that those on the list be deported, although some named have said they are in the country legally.

Youth from Puente Movement prepare for Children’s March (7/17)

By Sonai Perez

Spray paint and cardboards filled the front of Puente’s headquarters at Tonatierra this week. The Children’s March is getting closer and a small group of neighborhood kids came down on Thursday morning to finish their art projects and protest signs.

“This summer I really got involved with Puente”, said seventh grader Abríl Chihuahua, “I like coming because I get to help. I like painting and making posters for the protests”, she added.

The Children’s March will take place at the state capitol this Saturday, July 17 at 8 AM. It is intended to provide a voice for the children of immigrant families and allow them a space to march around the capitol and share their stories.

Some children will be reading their own testimonies about how they feel about SB1070 and how they are directly affected by it.

“We hope to bring more than 100 kids to the capitol this weekend, there will be many activities like a piñata and face painting”, said Puente volunteer Luissana Santibanez.

A notary public will also be available free of charge so parents can arrange a power of attorney for a worst case scenario. If a parent becomes detained, this letter can help transfer the custody of their children or property to a close friend or relative.

“Given that there is no reform, there are a lot of people at risk of being detained, especially now that the police will have a new authority to fill. So, we encourage people to be prepared”, said Santibanez.

 “My children worry about their future and don’t want the new law to pass,” said Estefania Bernal, who came by to help make signs with her children Javier, Elizabeth and Lydia.

 “I tell them that when we come together we become stronger, and we can accomplish many things”.

Puente Arizona and members from the barrio committees will gather July 17 at 8 AM at the capitol to hear the stories of children, followed by a march.

From 6 to 9 PM there will be a community potluck at the capitol located on 17^th Avenue and Washington Street.

For more information contact the local Puente Arizona office at 602.314.5870

PRESS RELEASE: RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE AND CONOR OBERST TO PLAY CONCERT TO BENEFIT ARIZONA ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING #SB1070

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Contact:
Marco Amador, The Sound Strike
press@thesoundstrike.net | www.thesoundstrike.net

SOUNDSTRIKE ARTISTS RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, CONOR OBERST AND THE MYSTIC VALLEY BAND TO PLAY HISTORIC CONCERT TO BENEFIT ARIZONA ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING SB 1070

LOS ANGELES, CA: In their first concert in their hometown of Los Angeles in 10 years, Rage Against the Machine will take the stage at the Hollywood Palladium on July 23rd, 2010 to support organizations combating SB 1070, law set to go into effect July 29th. Projected proceeds from the concert along with donations raised by The Sound Strike Fund are expected to exceed over $300,000. This will provide much needed resources to community organizations, student groups, legal defense funds and assist activists targeting key voting districts for voter registration. These two organizations need immediate assistance to fight SB1070 on the ground: Puente, Arizona, and The Florence Project.

Puente, Arizona has been recognized as an organization that has stood on the frontlines in the struggle for civil and human rights in Arizona for years. Puente Arizona has been instrumental in community outreach that has produced the largest public mobilizations against SB 1070. Known for their tireless community organizing, Puente Arizona works directly with communities who will be most affected by SB 1070.

The Florence Project provides and coordinates free legal services, and related social services to the men, women, and unaccompanied children detained in Arizona for immigration removal proceedings. The Florence Project strives to ensure that detained individuals have access to council, understand they’re rights under immigration law, and are treated fairly and humanely by our judicial system.

The concert is part of a week of national actions culminating in the July 29th day of noncompliance in resistance to the law which is set to be enacted that same day. For more information about the week of national action go to www.altoarizona.com.

For more information about upcoming concert events to help defend immigrant rights go to www.thesoundstrike.net.

MALDEF president Thomas Saenz on Tavis Smiley (PBS)

July 8, 2010

Civil rights veteran Thomas Saenz, president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, explains the constitutional battle between the federal government and the state of Arizona over immigration.

Tavis: Thomas Saenz is president and general counsel of MALDEF, the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Founded in 1968, MALDEF is the nation's Latino legal civil rights organization. Tom, good to have you back on the program.

Thomas Saenz: Good to see you, Tavis.

Tavis: Let me start by going right at this argument, as I've been following this and discussing it here on TV and on my radio show. I'm starting to hear now an argument that's being made by you and others against this law in Arizona, and I'll let you explain it, but what I'm hearing is an argument being made on constitutional grounds that this is about the unity of the country or the disunity of the country if it's allowed to go forward.

As you know, there are other states now wanting to copycat what Arizona did. Tell me what the epicenter of the argument is that you all are going to levy against the law. Then we'll come to the Justice Department decision to file the suit in just a second.

#Arizona's Anti-#Immigrant Law Hits #Women the Hardest

Arcelia Hurtado, Executive Director, Equal Rights Advocates
Posted: July 2, 2010 01:12 PM

Rosa B. was raped at work today. Arizona's anti-immigrant law would also send her to jail if she reports it.

Rosa B.'s story is emblematic of the work that I do with Equal Rights Advocates (ERA), a national women's rights advocacy organization based in San Francisco. Her story also hits close to home. My mother was trained as a nurse in Mexico, yet when she first came to this country, she worked as a migrant worker. She was undocumented and her status forced her to endure unspeakable abuses at the hands of her employers. That was over 30 years ago, but I see her story repeated almost every single day in the stories of women across the country who call ERA in search of assistance. Any progress we have made over the last several decades, as evidenced by my own success, is severely imperiled by the single swoop of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer's pen.

The debate over SB 1070, the Arizona bill signed into law by Governor Brewer, has centered on the race-based anti-immigrant sentiment it will foster. An equally important, and gender-based dynamic, is that the law will disproportionately impact Latinas in Arizona due to their comparatively vulnerable economic status.

National Day Laborer Organizing Network Response to President's Speech

For Immediate Release  // Excuse Cross Postings // Please Forward

Date:  July 1, 2010

Contact: Marco Loera (626) 390-6986

National Day Laborer Organizing Network Response to President's Speech

(Los Angeles, CA) In reaction to today's speech by President Obama on United States Immigration Policy, Pablo Alvarado, director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network issued the following statement:

"As the federal government fails in its responsibility to modernize immigration laws, citizens and immigrants alike are suffering.   American immigration policy is currently out of line with its national values, and the vacuum created is being filled by the likes of Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Governor Jan Brewer.   Comprehensive immigration reform has become a political football in Washington DC, but the terms of debate have been defined by racist politicians from the south who have demonstrated a willingness to scapegoat immigrants, destroy families, and single out communities of color for short-term political gains.

All three branches of the federal government must act:  the courts must defend cherished constitutional values, congress must write new immigration laws that provide equality to this generation's Americans in Waiting, and the President must show leadership.   Today, the President described the failure of existing immigration law.  This is not an abstract or purely academic matter: millions of people's lives hang in the balance while the President is charged with enforcing immoral, unjust laws.

We recognize existing political constraints, but we are hopeful the President's speech is followed-up with action.  In the near term, we expect immediate intervention by President to prevent a human rights crisis in Arizona from getting any worse than it already is."

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