Following the passage of Arizona’s racist, anti-immigrant law SB 1070, there is good news. In the wake of SB 1070, five anti-immigrant bills have been defeated in Arizona. One of the bills defeated included the denial of birth right citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants. But the worst of one of all proposed requiring hospitals to check the immigration status of patients, then notify law enforcement if they suspected someone was undocumented. The battle to defeat these bills was led by Promise Arizona and several other community organizations.
But the fight is far from over, and it continues in many states besides Arizona. Immigranmt advocates must continue building and mobilizing our bases. Things are getting more difficult across the country with widespread state budget crises and drastic budget cuts. While a few corporations get richer, many ordinary families are experiencing the stress and suffering caused by cuts to social service programs. Ultimately, immigrants and people of color bear the brunt of these cuts and are often scapegoated and characterized as contributing to the problems.
But we are responding! We have seen massive mobilizations not only in Wisconsin, but also in places such as Michigan, Washington, and Nevada, where the overarching cry is “Ya Basta!” Enough! People are getting tired and are ready to organize, not only stop these cuts, but to put a hold on the massive deportations and troubles that immigrant families are facing.
The Fair Immigration Reform Movement is getting ready to launch their “Relief, Reform, Respect” campaign this spring in which they will be demanding that President Obama change his brutal immigration deportation and detention program. The Obama Administration’s immigration system is so flawed that it is even gathering international attention. Alliance for a Just Society affiliate PLAN Nevada, in conjunction with other organizations throughout the country, will be holding press conferences to demand the president to put a stop to the deportations.
Again, the fight is far from over and the Alliance will be working with our affiliates and partners across the country to help create a humane and just immigration system.