National Hispanic Leadership Agenda
WASHINGTON – Lillian Rodríguez-López, chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), issued the following statement commending U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton for issuing an injunction (see full decision here) that will block key provisions of Arizona's racial-profiling law, known as SB 1070, from taking effect.
"NHLA is pleased that today's ruling will prevent the most heinous provisions of SB 1070 from going into effect. Judge Bolton affirmed the simple truth that bypassing federal law to harass Americans based on race or ethnicity defies our nation's most basic constitutional rights.
"The district court's decision is a crucial first step but much work remains. Copy-cat legislation has been threatened in state legislatures around the country proving that now more than ever we need Congress to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform.
"We want to acknowledge the work of the many national and local Hispanic organizations to denounce and block the implementation of SB 1070, and the legal work of the Department of Justice. NHLA members MALDEF and LULAC deserve the gratitude of our community for dedicating the resources to challenge SB 1070 in the courts. NHLA will continue to support the work of the many activists fighting on the frontlines in
Established in 1991, The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) brings together Hispanic leaders to establish policy priorities that address, and raise public awareness of the major issues affecting the Latino community and the nation as a whole. For more information, please visit www.nationalhispanicleadership.org.
