Thread: Shakira condemns Arizona's immigration law

Shakira condemns Arizona's immigration law
by Scott Wong and Lily Leung - Apr. 29, 2010 07:07 PM
The Arizona Republic .

Latina pop star Shakira condemned Arizona's new law targeting illegal immigration, saying it promotes discrimination and robs Latinos of human dignity.

Visiting Phoenix City Hall on Thursday, the Colombian-born entertainer told more than 100 members of the media: "I'm in opposition to this law because it is a violation of human and civil rights. It goes against all human dignity, against the principles of most Americans I know.


"As a person and Latina who believes in equal opportunities and who believes that this country has values that I have always admired and defended," she added, "I'm worried about the impact that implementation of this law will have on hard working Latinos."

Shakira was joined by Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and local Hispanic leaders.

"I'm not an expert on the Constitution but I know the constitution exists for a reason," she said. "It exists to protect human beings, to protect the rights of people living in a nation, with or without documents. We're talking about human beings here."

The singer and dancer, sporting stiletto boots, diamond earrings, a wifebeater tank top and black zippered jacket, later visited CPLC Carl Hayden Youth Community Center.

Before a City Hall news conference, Shakira met privately with Gordon, Vice Mayor Michael Nowakowski, Police Chief Jack Harris and other city officials to raise concerns about the law. She argued that Hispanic immigrants have generated economic growth for decades in this country.

"Let's not foster division but unity. Let's not foster chaos but safety," Shakira said. "This law goes against all the principles of prosperity that we know and promotes discrimination and resentment."

Gordon said he had created a fund called Arizonans for Common Sense to raise private money for a lawsuit he intends to bring on behalf of the city to block the law from taking effect.

The law makes it a state crime to be in the country illegally, and requires police officers to question individuals about their immigration status if there is reasonable suspicion that person is in the country illegally.

A crowd of about 150 lined the sidewalks and pressed against the wrought iron fence surrounding the Carl Hayden Community Center in Phoenix trying to get a glimpse of the singer. They cheered and chanted her name when she arrived with a police escort in a gray Chevrolet Tahoe.

People cheered wildly when she walked over to the fence and began shaking hands, greeting people, and signing autographs. Some people were standing on cars to see into the throng surrounding her. At one point, a man on the second-story balcony of an apartment a half-block away strained to catch a peek. Some held anti-1070 signs such as "SB1070 Unconstitutional."

It was packed inside the center, too, where about 20 people waited in metal folding chairs for a chance to talk with her – after the media swarm could be pried back far enough for everyone to see.

Shakira arrived at the center to speak against the new legislation. But she also went to the resource center to listen.

The Colombian-born musician gave the stage to immigrant women and students to share the potential impact the new law would have on their lives.

Erika, who declined to give her last name, did things right, she said. The 22-year-old got the grades and graduated from high school. But without a Social Security number, she couldn't qualify for loans and couldn't afford college.

"I have a diploma," she said, crying. "But I can't use it."

With the new law, she envisions living in fear — fear she'll be detained.

"It's not just," she said. "I'm not a criminal."

Shakira said she, with the help of Mayor Phil Gordon, would do everything to oppose the immigration law. She also aims to dispel the misconception that Latinos are a drain to the American economy.

"Immigrants forged this country," she said. "They came to this country wanting to work hard. They work long hours."

Victor Gonzalez of El Mirage was one of the people invited to meet and speak to Shakira. He said afterwards that her appearance in the state but may not meet the expectations some have had. "We're not going to solve all of our problems in one day," he said.

He predicts 1070 would be overturned by the courts.

"It's not going to happen," he said. "I'm sure the guys who wrote the Constitution would be laughing if they were here today."

Arturo Ortiz of Phoenix waited outside the fence until the singer left, taking photos with a friend. He said it was important that Shakira made the appearance.

"She's here to represent us," he said. "We needed a voice. Hopefully, people will take notice."

The Carl Hayden center, part of Chicanos Por La Causa, offers education and recreation programs for youths, including tutoring, help with homework, games and a computer lab.

Roberto Valadez, 21, of Phoenix, held T-shirts, photos and a CD, all of which he hoped to get autographed. He said he supported what Shakira was doing socially and "we're still here to support her."

George Luna, 32, of Phoenix, said he went "because I'm supporting what she's doing for us. It will have an effect, because she is a very important woman. The new law affects everyone, not just Hispanics."

Sandra Tovar, 35, of Phoenix, runs a furniture store, said she feels SB 1070 is "trying to scare the Hispanic community away."

In Tovar's case, it is having an effect: she plans to close her business and move to Texas with her three teenagers because of the law.

"If they pass the same thing there, we'll move from there," Tovar said.

The Latina pop star, flanked by local elected officials, later told supporters at the Arizona Capitol that the legislation essentially criminalizes people for the color of their skin.

She said immigration status should not dictate the quality of treatment someone receives from law enforcement and the government.

"It's not just unconstitutional," said Shakira inside a Radio Campesina van. "It's a violation of civil rights."

She said if the law were in effect right now, she would be arrested for not carrying her driver's license."Are you going to arrest me, Sheriff Arpaio, because I didn't bring my papers?" said Shakira, whose statement was followed by cheers.

After the speech, supporters expressed their gratitude for her message, chanting "Si, se puede," meaning "Yes, we can" in Spanish.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoe ... 29-ON.html

Shakira was just on CNN babbling about Arizona bill. I listened for about 10 seconds, then had to change the channel. How predictable that was. So glad CNN had her on to tell us what she thinks, I never could have guessed.

Shikira just lost a fan for her stupid insensitivity to our laws while doing her "Grand Standing" to get more sales for her music..

She doesn't know beans from bacon about it.......

Who really takes her seriously? She needs to get her pancake hip shaking shewolf back in the closet and out of politics.

Dixie

Visiting Phoenix City Hall on Thursday, the Colombian-born entertainer told more than 100 members of the media: "I'm in opposition to this law because it is a violation of human and civil rights. It goes against all human dignity, against the principles of most Americans I know.

Really? How about going to protest violations of human rights in Mexico? See the humane and dignified way they treat illegal aliens there. How about human rights violations in central america, Shakira? Bleat all you want, your opinion carries no weight here, but your hypocrisy is staggering.