‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’

Washington, D.C. – On Friday, April 23, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed into law one of the most stringent immigration laws in the country. Under the new law, Arizona police are required to question people about their immigration status if they suspect the person is in the country illegally. If unable to produce legal documentation, suspects would be arrested, jailed for up to six months and fined $2,500. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement regarding the new immigration policy in Arizona:

“The new law in Arizona is a step backwards in addressing our broken immigration system. It is the unfortunate response to Federal Government’s lack of action on comprehensive immigration reform. This new law will legalize profiling in the state of Arizona and only serve to create a racial divide,” stated Rep. Clarke. “This policy has the potential to spread like wildfire across our southern border states if we do not take federal action.”

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,’” added Rep. Clarke.

“My colleagues in the House and I have been fighting for comprehensive immigration reform, which is the best way to fix our broken immigration system. Our national security is at stake; our moral standing in the world depends on it; and the American people, many of whom are first and second generation immigrants, demanded it. Therefore, I urge Congress to take a fresh look at the antiquated policies, bureaucratic backlogs that tear families apart and devastate our communities,” said Rep. Clarke.

“Let us never forget, that when we turn our back on those who come to these shores to become Americans, to be a part of building our great nation, and to embrace the American Dream, we are turning our back on ourselves,” concluded Rep. Clarke.

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