Local Reaction To Signing Of Arizona Illegal Immigration Bill

Below are statements released by El Paso Congressman Silvestre Reyes and the Border Network of Human Rights regarding the passing of the Arizona illegal immigration law.

Statement from Silvestre Reyes EL PASO, TEXAS – Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) released the following statement today urging Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to veto SB-1070. Tomorrow is the deadline to veto the controversial measure before it becomes law.

“Tomorrow will be the final opportunity for Republican Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona to veto one of the most reprehensible attempts to crack down on undocumented immigrants in the United States. The enactment of SB-1070 would require Arizona police officers to determine a person’s legal status based on a “reasonable suspicion” that the individual might be an undocumented immigrant.

“These reckless and intrusive measures are a mockery of our democratic values and are deeply insulting to Hispanic veterans, such as myself, who have fought to preserve our nation’s freedom. I strongly urge Governor Brewer not to succumb to partisan pressures at the expense of civil rights, and veto this legislation. Moreover, immigration law is the purview of the federal government, and this legislation raises serious constitutional concerns. I also urge all my colleagues in Congress to condemn this un-American bill.

“With three sisters and several nieces and nephews who reside in Arizona, I am deeply concerned this legislation will lead to racial profiling that will trample on the rights of lawful Hispanic-American citizens residing in the state.

“From my 26 years of experience in law enforcement, I know that such intrusive measures will only incite fear among the immigrant community and lead to a new level of mistrust of law enforcement. Immigrants will be far less likely to share potentially valuable information with police that could help solve crimes, and undocumented immigrants will be at greater risk to be victimized by criminals who will exploit their silence.

“As residents of the second-safest city in the nation, El Pasoans know first-hand that public safety is best achieved when local police focus on crime, not on enforcing immigration laws.”

Statement from Border Network of Human Rights REYES STRONGLY URGES ARIZONA GOVERNOR TO VETO SB-1070 EL PASO, TEXAS – Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) released the following statement today urging Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to veto SB-1070. Tomorrow is the deadline to veto the controversial measure before it becomes law.

“Tomorrow will be the final opportunity for Republican Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona to veto one of the most reprehensible attempts to crack down on undocumented immigrants in the United States. The enactment of SB-1070 would require Arizona police officers to determine a person’s legal status based on a “reasonable suspicion” that the individual might be an undocumented immigrant.

“These reckless and intrusive measures are a mockery of our democratic values and are deeply insulting to Hispanic veterans, such as myself, who have fought to preserve our nation’s freedom. I strongly urge Governor Brewer not to succumb to partisan pressures at the expense of civil rights, and veto this legislation. Moreover, immigration law is the purview of the federal government, and this legislation raises serious constitutional concerns. I also urge all my colleagues in Congress to condemn this un-American bill.

“With three sisters and several nieces and nephews who reside in Arizona, I am deeply concerned this legislation will lead to racial profiling that will trample on the rights of lawful Hispanic-American citizens residing in the state.

“From my 26 years of experience in law enforcement, I know that such intrusive measures will only incite fear among the immigrant community and lead to a new level of mistrust of law enforcement. Immigrants will be far less likely to share potentially valuable information with police that could help solve crimes, and undocumented immigrants will be at greater risk to be victimized by criminals who will exploit their silence.

“As residents of the second-safest city in the nation, El Pasoans know first-hand that public safety is best achieved when local police focus on crime, not on enforcing immigration laws.”

**Statement, Re: Signing of Anti-Immigrant Bill in Arizona**

El Paso, TX -The Border Network for Human Rights, an 11-year-old community organizing group with about 4,000 members in El Paso and Southern New Mexico, wishes to release the following statement regarding the unfortunate signing of an extreme, anti-immigrant bill by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer a few minutes ago.

The statement can be attributed to BNHR Executive Director Fernando Garcia.

“BNHR members of El Paso-New Mexico border community are profoundly disappointed by the decision of Arizona State Legislature and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to approve and sign into law one of the most xenophobic and unconstitutional legislations in the country.

This law is based on hatred, prejudice and false assumptions towards immigrants and Hispanics in the US. It demonstrates a blatant denial of the historic, economic, social and cultural contributions of immigrants and Hispanics in the US. It also violates the basic principles of rights and respect contained in the U.S. Constitution. It is a victory for nativist and extremist forces who have refused to acknowledge the diversity and multiculturalism of today’s American society.

This law will endangered public safety by alienating immigrant families and border residents; will create a climate of fear and lack of trust toward local law enforcement; and ultimately will lead to an increase of unreported crimes.

More than ever, President Obama and members of Congress must put aside politics and pass just and humane immigration reform without delay. If they do not act, we fear that this type of irrational border policy will spread to Texas and other states, hurting our families and our communities.”

Thank you.