Arizonans Speak Out Against SB 1070, Push For Comprehensive Reform

By Sarah Mamula - Talk Radio News Service

The rise of immigration enforcement, such as Arizona’s SB 1070, has led to an increase in deportations and subsequent family separations among the immigrant community, according to the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. At a press conference Thursday outside the Capitol, immigrant women and children shared their experiences and urged Congress to take action.

Ai-Jen Poo, director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, said federal policies “are putting women and children in grave danger.” 

“There is a human rights crisis facing our families,” said Poo. “The Arizona Law SB 1070 is just a glimpse of what is to come if we do not turn the tide on immigration enforcement.” 

11-year-old Matthew Perea and 12-year-old Heidi Ruby Portugal were among the many children who spoke about their experiences in Arizona. Perea said children in the state live in fear of the police and the possibility of being separated from their parents due to deportation. Portugal told the story of her mother’s arrest while at work in Arizona.  At age 10, Portugal had to take care of 3 younger siblings, including her 3-month-old brother, while her mother was detained.  

“Luckily my mom is now here with us and she didn’t get deported,” said Portugal. the 12-year-old wants others to fight against the implementation of SB 1070 because “it’s just hateful and separates lots of families.”

With only two weeks until the Arizona law is implemented, The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) has joined with more than 25 other organizations across the country to call for immediate immigration reform.

“Arizona’s new law makes a bad situation far worse and it’s the children, often American-born, who lose their mothers and fathers,”said Karen Nussbaum, assistant to AFL-CIO President Richard Trumpka. “We cannot stand by and watch workers get exploited and families ripped apart.”