Democratic senator asks GOP governor to hold off on Ariz. immigration law, wait for Congress

The Associated Press reports that New York Senator Chuck Schumer is asking Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona to delay the implementation of the controversial new immigration enforcement bill, SB 1070, by a year to allow Congress time to address and enact comprehensive immigration overhaul. However, leaders of both parties have acknowledged that an immigration bill is unlikely to pass during the current election year, especially without bipartisan support, which seems unlikely at present. Brewer has indicated she will not delay the implementation of the Arizona law.  

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/breaking/democratic-senator-asks-gop-governor-to-hold-off-on-ariz-immigration-law-waitfor-congress-92969024.html

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Mexico's Calderon to protest Arizona law to Obama

The Washington Post reports that Mexican President Felipe Calderon will protest Arizona’s crackdown on illegal immigrants when he meets with President Obama. Calderon described elements of the law as ‘frankly discriminatory, terribly backward,’ and said the law is already affecting US-Mexican bilateral relations.

President Obama has said he believes the law to be ‘misguided’ and is pushing for comprehensive immigration overhaul, including a push for better immigrant rights.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/14/AR2010051401866.html

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Austin cuts off business and travel ties with Arizona

The Austin American Statesman is reporting that the Austin City Council has decided to end business and travel ties with the state of Arizona in protest over the new state law there that will allow law enforcement officials to detain people they suspect are in the country illegally. The resolution for the proposal passed unanimously. The total amount of money spent by the city of Austin last year in Arizona came to a total of $47,908.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7004482.html

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Phoenix mayor looks to Obama on Arizona law

The Associated Press reports that the Mayor of Phoenix, Phil Gordon, recently told an audience that his goal is to get Arizona’s new law cracking down on illegal immigration ‘revoked as soon as possible.’ 

The mayor went on to call the law ‘criminal,’ ‘wrong,’ and ‘racist.’  Gordon says he hopes that President Obama will step in and take strides to address the situation, by passing comprehensive immigration reform, or in the meantime, send extra Border Patrol agents to the border.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/breaking/phoenix-mayor-looks-to-obama-on-arizona-law-93804004.html

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Dallas council members urge consideration of Arizona boycott

WFAA News out of Dallas, is reporting that Dallas may join Austin, Los Angeles, El Paso, and St. Paul, Minnesota, in boycotting business ties Arizona after the passage of the new immigration enforcement law.

Thousands of citizens demonstrated on May 1, in protest to the law at Dallas City Hall Plaza. If it passes the boycott, Dallas will follow Austin and El Paso, to become the third Texan city to do so. However, more than 30 city councils in small towns across North Texas are also considering invoking a boycott in protest.

http://www.wfaa.com/news/politics/Dallas-council-members-urge-consideration-of-Arizona-boycott-93825759.html

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ACLU, NAACP among those fighting Arizona immigration law

The Arizona Republic reports that the ACLU and other national civil rights organizations have sued in federal court, filing a class action lawsuit, questioning the constitutionality of Arizona’s new immigration law. The groups, including the NAACP, have alleged that the law ‘encourages racial profiling, endangers public safety, and betrays American values.’  This is the fifth lawsuit challenging the new law, which is scheduled to take effect July 29^th. The Tucson, Flagstaff, and San Luis city councils have voted to sue as well.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2010/05/16/20100516arizona-immigration-law-aclu-naacp.html

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Palin joins Arizona Governor to defend immigration law

The Associated Press reports that Sarah Palin has come to the defense of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and the new law cracking down on illegal immigration. The Governor and Ms. Palin held a brief press conference, during which they blamed President Obama for the new state law, saying it was Arizona’s attempt to enforced immigration laws since the federal government won’t. Palin also said that “We’re all Arizonans now” during her speech, invoking similar language to that used about New York after the 9/11 attacks.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/05/15/palin_to_join_arizona_governor_at_campaign_event/

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AFL-CIO wants DHS to stop working with Arizona state cops

The Hill reports that the AFL-CIO, one of the most influential labor groups and civil rights organization, urged Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to end programs with Arizona law enforcement agencies over the state’s new controversial immigration enforcement law.

In their letter, they wrote, ‘Unless DHS terminates all 287(g) program agreements in Arizona, the federal government will be complicit in the racial profiling that lies at the heart of the Arizona law.’  The 287(g) program is a federal initiative that trains local officials to enforce immigration law.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/97913-groups-want-dhs-to-end-relations-with-arizona-law-enforcement

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