Thread: AZ: New civil rights group in the Valley

New civil rights group in the Valley
Melissa Gonzalo
12 News
Jan. 5, 2008 03:43 PM

Volunteers spread the word to hundreds of Latinos Saturday at the Three Kings celebration in downtown Phoenix. They introduced them a new organization called Respect/Respeto and let them know lawyers were on hand to hear their cases of possible abuse and give them advice on what to do if asked for their legal status. "Some people were unnecessarily targeted and it's very hard in your heart," said Julie Pace, attorney with Ballard Spahr. "It breaks your heart for what's happening right now, so the best you can do is provide some good guidance."

The group was a welcome sight for many in the immigrant community just learning about it, like Jorge Perez. "Nice people, you know," said Perez. "They try to help me out. I just got a problem with my job and those people gave me a couple letters and the phone number."

Organizers said it's not just about one particular community. "It's not just Latinos, it's not African-American or Hispanic," said volunteer Ricardo Carlo. "It's everyone's unalienable rights." But with the employer sanctions law in effect, and new anti-illegal immigration measures being proposed in the Arizona legislature, immigrant rights are at the forefront. Groups like Immigrants without Borders and Somos America are joining forces. "This is the solution to all of the criticism in the community where they've said we don't have a unified voice," said spokesperson Lydia Guzman. "Even though different organizations have tried different things separately, now we've come together and this is the solution." They hope the new group can help the immigrant community overcome the challenges which lie ahead.

The ogranization also has a 24-hour hotline and a website where people can share their stories and seek legal assistance.

www.azcentral.com

Volunteers spread the word to hundreds of Latinos Saturday at the Three Kings celebration in downtown Phoenix. They introduced them a new organization called Respect/Respeto and let them know lawyers were on hand to hear their cases of possible abuse and give them advice on what to do if asked for their legal status

If in Mexico, the US State Dept. warned US citizens:
The State Department reminds U.S. citizens to avoid participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_t ... _3028.html


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