LAN

The Latino Action Network is a grassroots organization composed of individuals and organizations that are committed to engaging in collective action at the local, state and national levels in order to advance the equitable inclusion of the diverse Latino communities in all aspects of United States society.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Latino Action Network Condemns Arizona Immigration Law

Latino Action Network Condemns Arizona Immigration Law

Endorses Economic Boycott of the State;

Calls on Governor Christie to Speak Out Against It

For Immediate Release: May 3, 2010

Frank Argote-Freyre, Interim Chair – 908-670-0552

Christian Estevez -- 973-418-7012

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today condemned a recent Arizona law that would allow police to question individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants arguing that the law will lead to racial profiling of Latinos.

The LAN endorsed an economic boycott of Arizona and began exploring strategies to make the boycott effective. It called on its members to avoid recreational travel to Arizona.

The organization called on New Jersey Governor Christie to speak out against the Arizona law and reassure the immigrant communities of the state that no similar action is planned here.

“The Arizona law is the clearest indication yet that the federal immigration system must be fixed and it must be fixed now not in some vague distant future,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, interim chairperson of the Latino Action Network. “The law is an open invitation to racial profiling and will most likely be declared unconstitutional, but in the interim lives will be ruined by its enforcement.”

Christian Estevez, a member of the LAN Steering Committee said: “The LAN will review the different economic boycott strategies being put forth by various organizations across the nation and will advise its membership accordingly. We will issue our recommendations in the next few weeks.”

The Arizona law is not set to take effect until August.