Architect of Arizona's Anti-immigrant Law SB1070 Thrown Out of Office

November 9, 2011

Architect of Arizona's Anti-immigrant Law SB1070 Thrown Out of Office

Organizations around the nation react, offer warning to those promoting an anti-immigrant agenda

Last night during an historic recall election in Arizona, State Senate President, self proclaimed "Tea Party President" and the mastermind behind Arizona’s racial profiling and anti-immigrant Senate Bill 1070, Russell Pearce was defeated by Jerry Lewis.

Many around the nation are warning that the result of yesterday’s recall election is a new dawn and that those who use divisive politics and destructive demagoguery against immigrants and Latinos will be voted out of office.

Francisco Lopez, Executive Director of Causa Oregon said last night about the results, “The message out of Arizona is loud and clear: If you attack Latinos and Immigrants, pass destructive laws that hurt our communities and promote an anti-immigrant agenda, you will be voted out of office. Many around the country should take notice and learn from the example Russell Pearce represents. Americans want sensible and humane policies not divisive and anti-immigrant laws that divide families, hurt communities and damage public safety.”

Petra Falcon, Executive Director of Promise Arizona in Action said, “This election was a contest of values, and it is a victory for all of us who still believe in the promise of America and democracy. Hispanic voters, like most voters across Arizona, are tired of the angry rhetoric and the extremist positions that typified Pearce’s record on immigration issues. Latinos, like everyone else, want sensible, federal solutions to real issues that our families confront everyday. We want elected officials who best represent these values, and get the job done.”

In a release, Angelica Salas, Executive Director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), had this to say "Russell Pearce’s demise should be a warning call to all anti-immigrant zealots intent on climbing the mountain of discord and resentment by blaming, criminalizing, and insulting immigrant families. State legislatures, members of Congress and Presidential contenders alike should pay attention to District 18 voters when they say common sense, justice, and sound politics wins votes not hard-line, obstinate, and punitive bluster."

Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Council said, “Arizona’s business, faith, and immigrant rights communities came together to organize a successful recall election against one of the nation’s most notorious anti-immigrant legislators, State Senate President Russell Pearce. The recall election highlighted Pearce’s extremist agenda and anti-immigrant demagoguery, which have damaged the state’s reputation and economy, and the voters spoke clearly in rejecting it.”

More statements to follow.

Read more »

New report examines deficits, lawsuits, and diminished public safety from SB1070-type laws

Salem, Ore.--Last week, State Representative Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer, District 25) introduced several bills in the Oregon Legislature. Particularly concerning is the proposed legislation mirrors the extreme policies of Arizona's SB1070 and would create a divisive political climate and hurt minority and immigrant communities in Oregon. The legislation would also force state officials to take the role of federal agents and put an economic burden on state and local government, businesses and local law enforcement.

Your State Can't Afford SB1070

To educate the public and policy makers on the harmful effects of Arizona-style SB1070-type legislation., the National Immigration Forum has introduced a new report titled Deficits, Lawsuits, Diminished Public Safety: Your State Can't Afford SB 1070.

The report examines the legal, political, and economic cost incurred by Arizona in the wake of the passage of SB 1070. It also discusses the threat SB 1070 poses to public safety in Arizona communities. A number of states are considering similar legislation, including Oregon, and this report takes a look at the political environment in those states.

Based in Washington D.C., the National Immigration Forum advocates for the value of immigrants and immigration to the nation. Link here to download the full report from the Forum's website: http://www.immigrationforum.org/images/uploads/2010/SB1070Report.pdf

Read more »