tlaib

Yesterday, Michigan State Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) announced the introduction of a resolution opposing Arizona’s extreme anti-immigrant law.

“Michigan needs to go on record and oppose this hateful, misguided law. It will make us all less safe and do nothing to fix our broken immigration system.  We’re calling on Arizona to do the right thing and repeal SB 1070.  As lawsuits and resolutions from major cities move forward, it should also be clear that copy-cat legislation has no place here in Michigan.”

Rep. Tlaib was joined at the press conference by Arizona State Representative Kyrsten Sinema (D-Phoenix), who has been a fearless leader in the fight against SB 1070. (Remember when she brought water and food to the activists holding the 24 hour vigil outside the Arizona state capitol?) She had this to say about the Michigan resolution:

“It gives me great hope that we have powerful allies in our fight for a better Arizona. I fought hard in the Arizona State House to stop this misguided legislation because it plays politics with law enforcement and will make our communities less safe.  We need our police to focus on dangerous criminals, not workers, families and students.  The campaign against SB 1070 has become a national movement, and that’s because our broken immigration system is a national problem.  Congress and the President need to step up and pass comprehensive immigration reform that fixes the system for the long-term.”

At least 10 states have introduced legislation that mirrors Arizona’s SB1070 law. In the absence of real action on immigration reform, we are seeing even more states push through misguided legislation in an attempt to address the issue. Thank you, Michigan and Representative Tlaib for standing strong on the side of justice and immigrant rights. We hope others follow your lead.

Categories: Arizona, Michigan

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  • Kala

    Michigan can not afford to make the mistake that AZ has done. People are boycotting AZ and thier products. Michigan is one of the most economicly hurting states in America. We have a couple huge products being produced here in Michigan like the auto industry, cerel industy and lets not forget about the huge tax incentive for film makers to come here and shoot their movies. Do we really need the rest of America to boycot Michigan when we are in such a bad spot in unemployment and economicly hurting??? I dont think this would be the answer or a good move if the SB 1070 passes in Michigan.

    Great posts by PH and Allison, I agree with the both of you.

  • Allison

    Most undocumented immigrants are taxpayers as well. About 66% do get a paycheck, and thus have the same taxes taken out as citizens. All pay sales taxes and property taxes through rent. There are also billions of dollars in an “unclaimed” social security fund from those undocumented immigrants who have social security taxes taken out of their paychecks, but due to their status are unable to ever claim that money.

    In this way, these individuals are indeed supporting the social infrastructure.

  • PH

    Just to raise a counterpoint to Rashida Tlaib’s comment:
    “We need our police to focus on dangerous criminals, not workers, families and students.”
    The honest taxpayers of the US could argue that it is integral to identify, locate, and extradite those individuals who require support for a social infrastructure that they do not pay into.