WASHINGTON–The National Democratic Ethnic Coordinating Committee (NDECC), an organization committed to the immigrant heritage of America and comprised of representatives of more than 20 American ethnic communities, has declared its “strong opposition” to the controversial Arizona Anti-Immigrant law allowing police officers to stop and interrogate anyone they suspect is an undocumented immigrant.
NDECC issued its criticism of bills SB1070 and HB2281, signed into law in April by Governor Jan Brewer, in a resolution passed during a June 18 meeting at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters in Washington, DC. We present the text of the resolution below:
Resolution Expressing Concern over Arizona’s SB1070 and HB2281
In April, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed controversial bills SB1070 and HB2281 into law.
SB1070 requires immigrants in the state of Arizona to carry registration documents at all times and authorizes state and local authorities to enforce federal civil immigration laws. HB2281 bans schools from teaching classes that are designed for students of a particular ethnic group, promote resentment or advocate ethnic solidarity over treating pupils as individuals. A supporter of SB1070 and sponsor of HB2281, State Representative Russell Pearce, has also expressed interest in introducing legislation this fall that would deny birth certificates to children born in Arizona to parents who are not legally in the U.S., thus attempting to deny them the American citizenship they are entitled to under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
These laws, and the general anti-immigrant sentiments they foster, are very dangerous for all ethnic communities. In the last few weeks, South Carolina and Minnesota introduced copy-cat versions of SB1070 with more than 10 other states set to follow suit. Although these laws have been described as a means to target criminals within the Latino communities, the impact will be much broader and have the potential to negatively affect all immigrant communities.
As immigrants and the descendants of immigrants we, the members of the National Democratic Ethnic Coordinating Committee (NDECC)* declare our strong opposition to both SB 1070 and HB 2281. The enforcement of these laws will result in discrimination against certain ethnic communities, have an effect on reporting and investigation of crime in Arizona, leave minorities more vulnerable to hate crimes, and will not resolve the underlying issue of a broken immigration system. The solution is Comprehensive Immigration Reform and measures designed to better control our nation’s borders.
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Oh for pete sakes, it’s not an “anti-immigration” bill. It’s an anti-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BILL. My four grandparents came to the USA legally and would not have tried to squat here had they been denied entry. Immigrant hopefuls are standing in line to come here. Hundreds of thousands of hopeful immigrants enter the Green Card lottery for a few spaces. Arizona has been over-run with illegals from Mexico – some who are selling drugs and shooting at police officers. The cost to Arizona is huge. And now Mexico has joined the Obama Administration in suing Arizona. How more out of touch can you be???????????????
For pete’s sake…the statement this group put out does not argue in favor of illegal immigration Diana. It argues for a responsible policy that addresses the problem of illegal immigration without diminishing the rights of those people (like your grandparents) who have come to this country legally. The federal government should sue Arizona over this bill, as well as any other state that chooses to violate the 14th Ammendment of the U.S. Constitution.
I am so amuzed.Ever see “A day without Mexicans”? Before wieghing in on this issue every Armenian should see this incredibly silly farce.Real funny especialy the end, Thats how were seen by them too. And to think of the demands made by these “immigrants” as compared to what my grandparents went through.Not to mention learning the language.Whats going down there anyway,that millions of Mexicans are fleeing thier homeland,they are not trying to escape genocide are they?
Arizona Anti-Immigrant law does NOT allow police officers to stop and interrogate anyone they suspect is an undocumented immigrant.
The AZ law states a resident must be aressted for a non immigration crime and be undocumented, before the police may inquire about the resident’s immigration status. The AZ state law actually affords the resident more protection than what is required in the other 49 states.
Hye, just think, if these states, Arizona, New Mexico and California had remained as part of Mexico, the conditions there shall have had the Mexicans still coming to the USA in order to gain employment to support their families in Mexico… Mexico’s government is the problem. Manooshag
This issue is so stupid.There are,in fact,only two options,round up and deport all illeagles or amnesty for all illeagles.Pick one already.There is a third,let everything stay the same so the small business owner has a scource of near slave labour.
I was wondering when Joe Boca was going to stick his nose in! He’s such a coward he had to wait until AFTER the decision to add his 2 cents.That SB needs to be shot!