Voices for Civil Dialogue

PHOENIX, Arizona — After the recent decision by federal authorities to limit the power of Maricopa County sheriff ’s deputies to enforce U.S. immigration laws, Arizona lawmakers are renewing a push to grant local police the ability to detain and question suspected undocumented immigrants.

A campaign in favor of the “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act” was launched after last week’s announcement that Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio had his powers limited by federal immigration authorities.

Arpaio had one of the largest forces in the nation deputized to enforce immigration laws on the streets and in county jails under an agreement known as 287 (g). But John Morton, assistant secretary of Homeland Security, said Arpaio’s sweeps were not consistent with the program’s new priorities. Under a revised 287 (g) agreement Arpaio’s enforcement powers are limited to the county jails. He can no longer conduct traffic stops in search of undocumented immigrants under the program.

The move by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revived a decade-long debate in Arizona over whether local police have the inherent authority to enforce immigration laws. Some argue that a number of U.S. Department of Justice opinions –especially one issued in 2002– grant this power, while others say that several lawsuits over the years have made it clear such enforcement is unconstitutional.

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NewsChannel 8

Oklahoma City - Twenty-eight different business, labor and civil rights groups have filed briefs in support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's legal fight against Oklahoma's tough illegal immigration law.

The chamber questions the validity of a requirement that businesses use a voluntary federal worker verification system. The lawsuit is currently before the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver.

A spokesman for the chamber, in a statement Monday from Washington, D.C., said diverse groups agree that states should not set national immigration policy.

Chamber officials argue the law imposes tax penalties on any employer who fails to use the "E-Verify" pilot program, and sets up employers for discrimination lawsuits.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Change to Win labor coalition are among those groups backing the lawsuit.

Immigration has, once again, become a highly emotional and contentious challenge facing our society.

It is time we work to learn from each other. A path forged out of working together is our best chance for a solution.

Federal immigration reform is a complex challenge requiring a comprehensive transpartisan solution and directly effects the creation and sustainability of a vital community in the Valley of the Sun/the Phoenix, AZ metro area.

In Arizona, during this most recent debate in immigration reform, we have seen some of the worst be brought out in individuals and some of the best .

We have witnessed eloquence and vitriolic personal attacks. We have seen communities work together and we have seen families ripped apart.

by Craig Harris - Sept. 24, 2008 03:02 PM
The Arizona Republic

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce, which has opposed the state's employer sanctions law, threw its support Wednesday behind a new media campaign on national immigration reform.

At the chamber's Phoenix headquarters, a panel of political and business leaders called on Congress to pass immigration legislation that would focus on security and allow immigrants to work in the U.S. They also unveiled a new 60-second TV ad that will begin airing in Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver and Las Vegas.

Concerned Over Effects On Families, Communities, Bishops Urge President Bush, Homeland Security To Drop Raids

WASHINGTON— Speaking on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Bishop John C. Wester, chairman of the Bishops’ Committee on Migration, urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and President Bush to reexamine the use of worksite enforcement raids as an immigration enforcement tool.

“The humanitarian costs of these raids are immeasurable and unacceptable in a civilized society,” Bishop Wester said. “While we do not question the right and duty of our government to enforce the law, we do question whether worksite enforcement raids are the most effective and humane method for performing this duty, particularly as they are presently being implemented.”