Arizona's anti-illegal immigration law sparks more protests and counter-protests

May 6, 2010
Los Angeles Times
by Teresa Watanabe and Andrew Blankstein

Arizona’s tough new immigration law sparked dueling actions Thursday as several immigrant advocacy and labor groups announced a national boycott and supporters unveiled plans to converge on the state next month for rallies and shopping sprees to counteract that action.

The law, which is scheduled to take effect in July, would make it a state crime for illegal immigrants to be in Arizona and requires police to check the immigration papers of those they suspect lack legal status. It has produced a frenzied reaction on both sides, with lawsuits, rallies and boycotts against it and counter-protests in support of the law. Lawmakers in at least a dozen states have announced plans to push similar measures to crack down on illegal immigration.

William Gheen of Americans for Legal Immigration said numerous polls show a majority of Arizonans and Americans support the bill as a legitimate state attempt to control illegal immigration. His and other organizations, including Voice of the People USA and Tea Party Patriots Live, are coordinating efforts to bring thousands of supporters to Arizona from June 5 to 12 to show support for the bill, known as SB 1070. Supporters have also declared that week “Shop in Arizona Weekâ€