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Union, religious leaders protest Arizona anti-immigrant law
By Mark Gruenberg 28 July 2010
| WASHINGTON - Unionists will join religious leaders Thursday in mass protests against Arizona’s draconian anti-immigrant law – even though a federal judge in Phoenix halted enforcement of parts of the legislation the day before. |
In a telephone press conference from Phoenix, hosted by labor-backed Interfaith Worker Justice, religious leaders cited five unions – the Steelworkers, United Food and Commercial Workers, UNITE HERE, Service Employees and Auto Workers – whom they said would participate in the protests in up to 15 cities. More unions were expected to join, the religious leaders added.
Besides Phoenix, protests are slated in Chicago, Oakland, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, San Francisco, New York City, Houston, Philadelphia, Charlotte, N.C., Toledo, Ohio, Memphis, Tenn., and Albany, N.Y.
The protests have two points: One is to campaign against Arizona’s law, SB 1070, which is aimed at anyone who “looks different,” notably Hispanics. The other is to push for comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to legalization for the estimated 11 million undocumented workers now in the U.S.
“If we allow undocumented workers to remain so, not only can they be exploited, but all workers are in danger,” said Kim Bobo, director of Chicago-based Interfaith Worker Justice, a national network of 27 centers that help and defend exploited workers.
The immediate target of the religious-led protests is SB 1070, which mandated that state and local law enforcement officials could stop anyone who looks suspicious and immediately demand to see their papers proving their right to reside in the U.S. If the person stopped lacks papers, they can be arrested, detained and deported.
Bobo and her colleagues bluntly said the law would cause “racial profiling,” aimed at Hispanics. Other religious leaders on the call included Presbyterian and Unitarian ministers and an Islamic imam from Los Angeles.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton in Phoenix, responding to an Obama administration lawsuit, temporarily halted enforcement of several sections of the law – including requiring people to carry papers and letting police stop anyone on looks.
Mark Gruenberg writes for Press Associates, Inc., news service. Used by permission. |
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