Last week, Arizona's controversial immigration bill--SB 1070--went into effect. However, a last second ruling by a federal judge blocked the most controversial aspects of law, which would have permitted law enforcement to check a person's immigration status and required all immigrants to prove they are authorized to be in the United States.
Immigrant communities have been scrambling to figure out the impact of the law since it was signed in April by the state's governor Jan Brewer. In an effort to mobilize Latino communities, community organizers have held informal backyard meetings throughout the city of Phoenix.
Two NewsHour reporters attended one of those meetings last week and met Rigoberto Lopez. He's been in the United States illegally for 10 years, and his wife is currently in jail and facing deportation. Lopez is now left to work and be the sole provider for their two young daughters.
The reporters also visited Phoenix conservative talk show host Jim Sharpe, who is a proponent of SB 1070 and does not agree with the judge's injunction of the bill's controversial elements. Click here to watch both video reports.
Quotes
"What they have here today is a community meeting to talk about their rights, immigrants rights. And they look at it as regardless of SB 1070 they need to start learning their rights as immigrants." Nadine Rodriguez, reporter KJZZ
"There's a lot of anger out there. A lot of people feel this judge gutted the law. But there's also some positives, I think people are viewing portions of the law that are intact as away to implement law that we feel should have been on the books for along time." Jim Sharpe, KFYI Newstalk 550
"It's really hard because I'm here all alone. Well, with my little girls. No friends, no siblings, no one. Yes, I'm here illegally." Rigoberto Lopez
Warm Up Questions
1. Define the term immigrant?
2. Look at the terms "illegal immigrant" and "undocumented immigrant" -- what are the different connotations?
3. Where is the border between the U.S. and Mexico? Why is the issue of immigration different in those states than in other states?
Discussion Questions
1. What are the two sides of the immigration debate presented in these videos?
2. What part of SB 1070 made it so controversial?
3. After watching the video, do you believe individuals like Rigoberto and his family should be able live in the United States? Why or why not?
Additional Resources
Arizona Teens React to New Immigration Law
