Arizona Sees Immigration Backlash

In the latest battle over the recently passed immigration law in Arizona, the Roman Catholic bishop in Tucson says the Catholic Church should join lawsuits challenging the law.

Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson, said in a memo to parishioners Monday he is asking the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to consider joining lawsuits against the Senate Bill 1070 Support our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act. Gov. Jan Brewer signed the measure into law Friday.

The act gives police more power to question and arrest those they suspect are illegal immigrants and requires immigrants to carry work and travel papers. The bill also makes it a crime to transport illegal immigrants, including day laborers.

Brewer said Friday the bill will help the state battle illegal immigration, drug trafficking and Mexican cartels that use Arizona as a conduit into the U.S. Kicanas said the bill will hurt the state’s economy, sends a negative message about Arizona and might not help combat drug and human smuggling.

Arizona politicians varied on their opinions on the new law.

Outside the state, the law has sparked angry reaction including a rebuke from President Obama, and scuttled, for the time being, something completely unconnected to immigration—a comprehensive energy bill.

Detractors say it will discourage tourism, convention and events from locating in the state and result racial profiling and unfair police treatment of Hispanics.

U.S Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., has even called for a business and tourism boycott of the state. After the signing of the law, he also asked President Barack Obama to end law enforcement agreements with Arizona police departments.

The law, which goes into effect 90 days after the Legislature ends this year’ session, likely will face lawsuits challenging it on grounds of equal protection, due process and state powers.

Brewer said the state will set up guidelines and train officers on how to enforce the law and that she trusts the police to enforce the law fairly.