Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president calls upon Gov. Brewer to veto SB 1070

PHOENIX 4/19/2010 -

CONTACT: Director of Communications James E. Garcia, 602-294-6086, office, 602-460-1374, cell, or e-mail media@azhcc.com

 

Photos available upon request. Email media@azhcc.com


PHOENIX -The President of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce called upon Gov. Jan Brewer to veto Senate Bill 1070 in a speech at the organization's annual business awards Saturday night.

The governor also spoke at the event and responded by stating: "In regards to Senate Bill 1070... I hear you, and I will assure you that I will do what I believe is the right thing so that everyone is treated fairly."

Speaking to the audience of nearly 1,100, including many of the state's most influential Latino public officials and business owners, AZHCC President/CEO Armando Contreras asked Brewer to reject the legislation authored by State Sen. Russell Pearce.

The bill is expected to pass out of the Senate this week.

 

"In this economy, Arizona can ill afford to present itself as unwelcoming and embittered environment. The nation's investors and industry leaders should know us for the breadth of our talent and business acumen, not police raids."

"Simply stated, legislation like Senate Bill 1070 are not only an unnecessary waste of precious resources, but they're bad for business, bad for our economy recovery.

"Therefore, it is with great respect for you Gov. Brewer, and the office you have sworn to uphold, that I ask that you veto Senate Bill 1070, in the name of fairness, humanitarianism, and for the sake of our state's future economic prosperity and its diverse and growing community."

 

SEE RELATED STORY LINK BELOW:

Angst rises as Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer mulls immigration bill


More on this topic from the Arizona Republic.

Gubernatorial candidates weigh in

The Republic asked leading candidates for governor about their stance on Senate Bill 1070. Here's what they said:

Terry Goddard, attorney general , presumptive Democratic nominee (against):

"This bill does nothing to improve border security or address the core causes of illegal immigration. . . . It also would take law-enforcement resources away from stopping more-serious crimes."

Dean Martin, state Treasurer, Republican (in favor):

"The federal government will not enforce our immigration laws. They will not secure our border, and it's leaving us with quite a big mess to deal with. This is not about how you look like. It's how you got here."

Owen "Buz" Mills, businessman, Republican (in favor):

"It steps up Arizona's already tough immigration laws and sends another clear signal that the safety of Arizona citizens and communities is priority Number One."

John Munger, former Arizona Board of Regents president, Republican (in favor):

"He does favor the bill and yes he would sign it," campaign spokesman Jerry Cobb said.

·9 arrested during protest
· Arizon's immigration law under fire
·Ariz. lawmakers pass immigration law
·McCain, Kyl call for Guard troops on Ariz. border
·McCain's immigration switch called 'shameful'
·Cardinal likens Ariz. immigration crackdown to Nazis
·Vigil at Brewer's home to protest immigration bill
blogBrewer has 'concerns;' mum on whether she'll sign

Senate Bill 1070

The bill addresses a range of issues relating to illegal immigration. It would:

· Prohibit state, city or county officials from limiting or restricting "the enforcement of federal immigration laws to less than the full extent permitted by federal law" and allow an Arizona resident to sue an official or agency that adopts or implements a policy or practice that does so. The bill contains a "loser pays" provision that may deter frivolous lawsuits.

· Require law enforcement to make a reasonable attempt "when practicable" to determine the immigration status of a person if reasonable suspicion exists that the person is in the U.S. illegally. Officers do not have to do so "if the determination may hinder or obstruct an investigation."

· Make it a state crime to be an illegal immigrant, by creating a state charge of "willful failure to complete or carry an alien registration document."

· Allow law enforcement to stop a driver if there is reasonable suspicion that the driver is in violation of human-smuggling and any civil traffic law.

· Make it a crime for illegal immigrants to work or solicit work in Arizona.

· Make it a crime to pick up a day laborer for work if the vehicle impedes traffic while doing so. Make it a crime to be picked up as a day laborer if the vehicle they get into is impeding traffic.

· Make it a crime to conceal, harbor or shield an illegal immigrant if the person knows or recklessly disregards the immigrant's legal status. Does create a legal defense for someone providing emergency, public-safety or public-health services to illegal immigrants.

· Allow law-enforcement officials to arrest a person without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe the person has committed a public offense that makes him or her removable from the U.S.

· Require employers to keep E-Verify records of employees' eligibility.

· Reiterate Arizona's intent to not comply with the Real ID Act of 2005, including the use of a radio-frequency ID chip.