Tuesday, April 27, 2010

AZ Immigration Fight Sparks Reactions

UPDATE: Attorney General Eric Holder said on Tuesday that the federal government may challenge Arizona’s new immigration law. Both the Justice Department and the Homeland Security Department are reviewing it. Meanwhile in Flagstaff, Mayor Sara Presler announced that the city's council would open discussion on the law to the public on Tuesday during a special meeting. In Phoenix, Mayor Phil Gordon has asked members of his council to consider a lawsuit to prevent SB 1070 from going into effect. Presler says the law would strain the Flagstaff Police Department's resource.

In California, lawmakers in San Francisco are set to vote on a citywide boycott of the state. On May 25, about 70 drivers from California and Arizona agreed to stop moving loads into or out of Arizona in protest of the new law. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has also weighed in on the issue. The law "could have a chilling effect on international business travel, investment, and tourism in that state, as many people from around the world may think twice before visiting Arizona and subjecting themselves to potential run-ins with the police," he said.

The Mexican government has issued a travel warning, urging Mexican citizens to be careful in Arizona. In an alert posted in Spanish and English, the Mexican Foreign Relations Ministry said, “there is a negative political environment for migrant communities and for all Mexican visitors.” Although enforcement details remain unclear, "it must be assumed that every Mexican citizen may be harassed and questioned without further cause at any time," the ministry's statement said.

For more on Arizona's immigration showdown, go to Immigration Fight at the AZ Corral

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