Background on the Arizona Immigration Law: What it does and why it’s wrong
It is a federal crime to be in the United States without a visa as a non-citizen. Arizona’s new immigration law, also known as SB 1070, makes it a STATE crime to be in Arizona illegally and requires immigrants to have proof of their immigration status.
The law also requires police to make a “reasonable attempt” to determine the status of anybody whom it “reasonably suspects” may be in the US illegally. And it allows any citizen to sue the state or local governments for failing to fully comply (which would include law enforcement). Less than one week after the legislature has modified the original language to clarify that race cannot be the only factor as a justification in questioning somebody’s status. But it also clarified that civil complaints (like an unmowed lawn) could trigger an investigation.
Why Target Baseball and the 2011 All-Star Game?
Major League Baseball is scheduled to host the 2011 All-Star Game in Phoenix in July 2011. Other than the World Series, the All-Star Game represents the most high-profile and prestigious game every season in baseball.
It’s been reported that as much as $60 million will be spent on the host region during the All-Star Game weekend. Arizona cannot and must not profit from their discriminatory law.
There is a precedent for Arizona and sports impacting the broader political discussion. In 1987, after the newly-elected governor rescinded the Martin Luther King holiday for Arizona, the NFL voted to move the Super Bowl from Arizona to the Rose Bowl in California. After Arizona voted to restore MLK day as a holiday, the NFL finally chose to host the Super Bowl in Phoenix.
We can do it again. If MLB takes a stand on behalf of its players, players’ families and fans, the goal is that Arizona will revise its law in a way that does not racially profile its own citizens.
Learn More
Q&A Guide to Arizona’s New Immigration Law: What you need to know about the new law and how it can impact your state (IPC, June 2010)