La Raza Files Amicus Brief Against AZ Law "To Protect Essential Services To The Community"

Washington, DC—NCLR (National Council of La Raza), the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, joined the United States Chamber of Commerce, Los Abogados Hispanic Bar Association, and the Hispanic National Bar Association in submitting an amicus brief to ask the federal court to stop implementation of Arizona’s SB 1070 law. The brief was written by LatinoJustice PRLDEF and filed by the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP. NCLR joined the brief in an effort to protect the essential services that its 17 Arizona Affiliates provide to the community.

"This law will adversely impact the way community-based organizations provide vital services to the people of Arizona, including Hispanic citizens and lawful residents,” said Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO.

SB 1070 will create or exacerbate barriers to Affiliates’ efforts to provide essential health, education, and social services. With many community-based organizations still dealing with the effects of the economic recession, Arizona Affiliates will have to dig for new resources in order to educate and assist individuals who are affected or made vulnerable by SB 1070. Furthermore, NCLR will have to divert scarce resources to create new educational materials and policy analyses about SB 1070, as well as to assist its Arizona Affiliates in developing and implementing programs to educate and help those affected by the law.

“SB 1070 is an affront to who we are as a nation and who we are as human beings, and our country must choose to stand up for American ideals and reject those who appeal to our worst instincts,” concluded Murguía.

For more information, please visit www.nclr.org | www.facebook.com/nationalcounciloflaraza | www.myspace.com/nclr2008 | http://twitter.com/nclr.

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