NCJW Condemns Arizona Anti-Immigration Law
April 26, 2010, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today denounced the anti-immigrant measure signed into law by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer April 23. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan released the following statement:
"The adoption by the state of Arizona of a new law ordering local police to demand proof of citizenship from anyone they 'reasonably suspect' of being undocumented is a reprehensible effort to use profiling to intimidate people of color.
"This law usurps the federal role in immigration enforcement in favor of a draconian regime that will strike terror in immigrant communities. It disregards the bill of rights and succumbs to the most xenophobic impulse. It means in practice that people of color must carry birth certificates and passports to avoid spending time in jail, regardless of their status.
"For anyone of Hispanic origin to be subject to such a police state atmosphere in a land where their families may go back many generations is a double insult. President Obama has rightly said the new law threatens 'to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.' Following his own logic, the president must end the collaboration between local law enforcement and the federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which undermines the Constitution and makes ordinary anti-crime efforts by police nearly impossible by sowing fear in immigrant communities."
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org