Immigration law rattles Indian studies group

[The Straight Story]

Immigration law rattles Indian studies group

TUCSON, Ariz. – The Native American and Indigenous Studies Association is normally all about seeking a morality-based high ground. But ramifications due to recent Arizona anti-immigration and anti-ethnic crackdowns – and the prospect of the organization holding its upcoming annual conference in the state – have left many members searching for moral clarity.

The debate amongst members, played out largely on the organization’s Web site and via e-mail, boils down to a couple of prevailing arguments. Some want to cancel the event entirely, thereby choosing to boycott the state and withhold the thousands of dollars the conference would pump into the local economy. Others want to hold the conference as planned, beginning May 20, and make opposition to the law a part of the program.

No matter what happens, a controversial state anti-immigration measure has left an overwhelmingly negative impression among members. Signed into law by Republican Gov. Jan Brewer in late April, it makes it a crime to be in Arizona illegally, and it requires police to check suspects for residency paperwork. Racial profiling is a looming concern, and many Indians feel the law impedes their rights and sovereignty.

On top of that issue, ethnic studies proponents are facing a direct challenge in the state. Arizona lawmakers have passed a measure that bars state-funded classes “designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group” or that “promote resentment toward a race or class of people.” Republicans have argued that such programs, which are supposed to allow students to learn how ethnic groups have influenced history, are separatist. This bill currently awaits Brewer’s signature.

http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/home/content/93068064.html

[jody]

1. Boycotting AZ hurts avg citizens more than govt just as sanctions harm avg. Iranian citizens more

than govt.

That's also what happened in Iraq with sanctions/boycotts.

[Lance_Boyle]

2. 'anti-immigration and anti-ethnic crackdowns'

The flaming hyperbole needs to stop. AZ law targets illegal aliens. It is not an immigration law at all, nor is it an "anti-ethnic crackdown." Cooler heads are needed here.