Union, religious leaders protest Arizona anti-immigrant law

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_4572

By Mark Gruenberg
28 July 2010

WASHINGTON - Unionists will join religious leaders Thursday in mass protests against Arizona’s draconian anti-immigrant law – even though a federal judge in Phoenix halted enforcement of parts of the legislation the day before.

In a telephone press conference from Phoenix, hosted by labor-backed Interfaith Worker Justice, religious leaders cited five unions – the Steelworkers, United Food and Commercial Workers, UNITE HERE, Service Employees and Auto Workers – whom they said would participate in the protests in up to 15 cities. More unions were expected to join, the religious leaders added.

Besides Phoenix, protests are slated in Chicago, Oakland, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, San Francisco, New York City, Houston, Philadelphia, Charlotte, N.C., Toledo, Ohio, Memphis, Tenn., and Albany, N.Y.

The protests have two points: One is to campaign against Arizona’s law, SB 1070, which is aimed at anyone who “looks different,” notably Hispanics. The other is to push for comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to legalization for the estimated 11 million undocumented workers now in the U.S.

“If we allow undocumented workers to remain so, not only can they be exploited, but all workers are in danger,” said Kim Bobo, director of Chicago-based Interfaith Worker Justice, a national network of 27 centers that help and defend exploited workers.

FULL story at link.