The introduction of Arizona’s harsh immigration-related law
enforcement bill (SB 1070) has intensified the immigration debate on all sides,
with local lawmakers who oppose a patchwork of state and local immigration
regulations leading the way toward a rational national debate on immigration
reform.
I invite you to join your peers serving in municipal and state government in combating Arizona type legislation and signing the pledge card below to voice your support for comprehensive immigration reform.
Contact Dawn Mabery at dmabery@immigrationforum.org for more information.
Fight Back Against Arizona-style Legislation
What Legislators Can Do
Helpful Materials for Opposing Arizona-style legislation
Over 50 States/Localities Passed Resolutions Opposing Arizona SB 1070
Template Resolution Opposing Arizona SB 1070
CIR Resolutions (passed prior to signing of Arizona SB 1070)
Economic Impact of Immigrants
The Economic & Political Power of Immigrants, Latinos and Asians in all 50 States
Costly in Every Way: Anti-Immigrant Laws Hurt States Financially
Arizona Style Legislation
Thus far, legislators have publicly indicated
their intent to introduce Arizona-style legislation in the following states: Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina,
Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon,
Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, South Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia.
Five states - Michigan, South Carolina, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island - introduced laws similar to Arizona. The Rhode Island and South Carolina bills failed to be heard in committee before adjournment. In Michigan, the bill's author was aware
that the bill was unlikely to pass and that other
immigration legislation she proposed has not made it out of committee.
Efforts to pass Arizona SB 1070-type measures in Nevada and Kansas also failed. A petition
initiative in Nevada
was halted
due to a several lawsuits. In Kansas, an amendment to the budget
bill failed due to a procedural challenge and was ruled
out of order.
Legal Opinions, Information and Resources on SB 1070
The Legal Challenges and Economic Realities of Arizona’s SB 1070, Immigration Policy Center
ACLU of Arizona Section by Section Analysis of SB 1070 “Immigration; Law Enforcement; Safe Neighborhoods”, American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona
Video: Arizona’s Immigration Crackdown, Center for American Progress
Fast Facts on Arizona’s Immigration Crack Down: The New Law’s Dangerous Economic, Social, and Legal Consequences, Center for American Progress
Arizona SB 1070 Blogs
Setbacks for SB 1070 Lead Authors of Copycats to Reconsider their Bills August 2
Gov. Jan Brewer Went Too Far: States Seeking to Copycat, Take Note July 29
Judge Ruling: Another Blow to Arizona SB 1070 and its Copycats July 28
Over 45 Resolutions Opposing SB 1070 Have Passed July 22
Local Legislators Commend DOJ Challenge Of Arizona SB 1070 July 6
State and Local Lawmakers Applaud Obama’s Immigration Speech And Want Action to Follow His Words July 2
Massachusetts rejects Arizona-style copycat legislation, resolutions opposed to Arizona grow in numbers June 29
Push Back: At least 60 Local Measures Oppose Arizona S.B. 1070 June 18
Join by signing the pledge below!
Supporters
ELECTED LEADERS PLEDGE
I am pleased to pledge my support for comprehensive immigration reform based on the following principles:
1) The states, cities and towns of America are a melting pot of cultures and nationalities based on our nation’s history of welcoming immigrants from around the world. Our immigrant forebears and those living here now strengthen the economic, social, and civic foundations of our country and bring vitality to state and local communities around the U.S. Reforming the nation’s immigration system is an important component of ensuring America’s sustained economic recovery.
2) As state and local officials, we acknowledge that immigrants are part of the fabric of American life. When admitted through a well-regulated system, immigrants strengthen the United States by creating economic opportunities, increasing America’s scientific and cultural resources, strengthening our ties with other nations, fulfilling humanitarian commitments, and supporting family ties and family values that are necessary to build strong communities.
3) Immigration reform must be comprehensive and include: improving the economic situation of all workers in the United States; legalizing the status of undocumented immigrants working and living in the United States; reforming visa programs to keep families together, protecting workers’ rights, and ensuring that future immigration is regulated and controlled rather than illegal and chaotic; implementing smart, effective enforcement measures targeted at the worst violators of immigration and labor laws; prioritizing immigrant integration into our communities and country; and respecting the due process rights of all in the United States.
4) A fair means for undocumented immigrants to become full contributing members of our society. Requiring undocumented immigrants to come forward, register and get on a path to full legal status and eventual citizenship would help restore the rule of law, eliminate exploitation of immigrant workers, and strengthen opportunities for all workers, including native U.S. workers.
5) The financial impact of new immigrants on state and local governments must be recognized as part of a comprehensive approach. The federal government should provide local governments with financial and technical assistance in providing social services, health care, education, language services, and civic integration.
Please feel free to use my name for the State and Local Elected Leaders for Immigration Reform's website and materials pertaining to it's principles.
