Standing Up to Arizona's Racist Immigration Law

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.jwjblog.org/2010/04/standing-up-to-arizonas-racist-immigration-law/

By Maria Escobar, on April 30th, 2010

DC immigration reform rallyAs a catastrophe unfolds in Arizona, people across the country are preparing to defend their communities against the racist immigrant policies being implemented under the banner of “secured communities” in America.

Arizona has been in the forefront of the most deplorable immigrant enforcement tactics, with Sheriff Joe Arpio’s shameful treatment of undocumented workers, the signing of the SB1070 bill by Governor Jan Brewer that will lead to racial profiling and distrust between the police and immigrant communities, and today the passage of a ban on ethnic studies programs.

These despicable actions in Arizona have led to organizing and involvement of all sectors of the community to show their disgust against these policies and remind elected officials, especially Arizona’s governor, that their actions will lead to massive mobilization at the polls. As one good friend said “Justice delayed, election denied”

Many people across the country are fighting to keep their communities safe from these xenophobic policies and are creating safe communities for all residents, and local Jobs with Justice Coalitions have been supporting these efforts.

DC response to Arizona immigration lawDC JwJ is leading a coalition organizing to stop the implementation of the ‘secure communities’ policy being pushed by homeland security to involve local police in immigration enforcement. “Programs like this are effectively pushing America back to the days of slave patrols,” said Ron Hampton, Executive Director of the National Black Police Association, at a press conference and rally outside DC City Council. In Boston, people are standing in solidarity with the struggle in Arizona and working on preventing any anti-immigrant legislation of being implemented. Next week, JwJ Western Field Organizer Huy Ong and other JwJ activists are traveling as part of a delegation of the Inter-Alliance Dialogue to help organize an on-the-ground response. In Arizona, Tucson Jobs with Justice is already building for activities there.

FULL story and photos at link.