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05-09-2005, 06:06 AM #1
Hispanic Boycott Urged To Protest Laws
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/border/74230.php
Hispanic boycott urged to protest laws
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 05.09.2005
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHOENIX - Organizers of an economic boycott are urging Hispanics to stay home from work and not spend money on Tuesday as a way to protest laws aimed at making life in Arizona more difficult for illegal immigrants.
The boycott is the latest in a string of grass-roots protests since November's passage of Proposition 200, a measure intended to ensure illegal immigrants don't vote or receive certain public benefits.
"We're trying to prove we are a vital part of the community, that our workers and our consumers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect," said organizer Elias Bermudez, executive director of Centro de Ayuda (Center of Help), a business that helps immigrants prepare immigration and tax documents.
However, many Hispanics say they weren't aware of the boycott, despite heavy publicity in local Spanish-language newspapers and radio. Others say they are sympathetic to the cause but can't afford to lose a day of work or are afraid of getting fired.
"What these leaders don't understand is that we can't leave our jobs," said one 33-year-old Mexican immigrant who installs drywall. "We have a responsibility to get the work done."
Dozens of measures are pending in the state Legislature, including one to restrict the use of Mexican ID cards and another to require immigrant students to pay out-of-state college tuition.
The Hispanic work force drives Arizona's construction, restaurant and hotel industries, though the numbers are unclear, said Harry Garewal, president and chief executive officer of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He estimated the state could lose at least $54 million if all Hispanics closed their wallets and purses for a day.
State Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, who is a sponsor of many of the bills, says undocumented immigrants cost Arizona more than they contribute. The boycott will only breed contempt in a state already divided over illegal immigration, he said.
"(Mexico) needs to fix their country and not allow (President) Vicente Fox to export his problems to the United States," Pearce said. "No longer can we be the dumping ground for Mexico."RIP Butterbean! We miss you and hope you are well in heaven.-- Your ALIPAC friends
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05-09-2005, 06:26 AM #2
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Boycott
It will be interesting to see what happens on Tuesday.
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