| Dear Supporter, We don't typically take action on state-level legislation. However, we find a bill recently passed by Arizona's state legislature and currently on its way to Governor Jan Brewer's desk - SB1070 - so dangerously misguided that we feel we cannot sit back silently. And you shouldn't either! If allowed to pass into law by Gov. Brewer, SB 1070 would effectively force police to engage in racial profiling, criminalize unauthorized migrants for 'trespassing' into Arizona, and permit anyone to sue local agencies if they believe that the law isn't being adequately enforced. Such policies are as sweeping as they are dangerous. Whether you reside in Arizona or not, Governor Brewer needs to hear that institutionalizing racist and discriminatory policies is bad for all of Arizona's families. Tell her to veto SB1070! Send an e-mail to Governor Brewer's office through America's Voice telling her to veto this bill! Send a fax through Credo Action to encourage Gov. Brewer to stand up for civil rights! If you are a resident of Arizona, tell Gov. Brewer "enough is enough" by adding your signature to the Border Action Network's petition! Then help them reach their goal of 5,000 signatures by encouraging your friends to join you. These and other organizations across the country are rapidly organizing to amplify the voices of both Arizona's constituents and others across the nation to urge Governor Brewer to veto this chilling legislation designed to propagate fear and violate the rights of already marginalized populations living, working and raising families in the state. Granting police the authority to investigate the immigration status of any person they encounter if they have 'reasonable suspicion' that the person may be undocumented encourages racial profiling and pulls officers and resources away from the important job of tackling dangerous, criminal activity. Such measures would erode needed confidence and trust of residents to ensure violent crimes are reported and witnesses come forward - gravely jeopardizing police's efforts to protect communities and promote public safety. We cannot stand by and allow AZ to set this chilling precedent. As Juan Carlos Frey wrote in the Huffington Post, Arizona's legislators have taken the low road by choosing to "scapegoat the voiceless and vulnerable for cheap political victories." Send an e-mail to Gov. Brewer through America's Voice. Send a fax to Gov. Brewer through Credo Action. And for those in Arizona, add your signature to the Border Action Network's petition saying "enough is enough!" We also must urge all policymakers to bring an end to enforcement-only policies and deportation quotas that separate families, violate civil rights, and promote racial profiling. Instead of creating a climate of fear, we want our local, state and federal leaders to restore peace, justice, and respect for human and civil rights to our policies in the U.S.-Mexico border region. Your Concerned Friends in D.C., Brian & Jenny |
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