Conservative state lawmakers in Arizona that passed the controversial immigration law known as SB 1070 three years ago, back in 2010, found several other states attempting to emulate their methods to make them equally hostile to undocumented immigrants, but now Arizona city leaders are following a growing national trend to push back against the “papers, please” law in what is seen as a nod to immigrant integration and a renewed repudiation of SB 1070.
Tucson, which is located in the liberal-leaning Tucson County, has always been against the harsh immigration law that was designed to force undocumented immigrants out of the state, but the city council is now going further, voting to alter how the police have to implement inquiries as to immigration status during law enforcement stops.
Minors cannot now be questioned when not in the presence of a guardian or attorney, and people who report that a crime has taken place no longer have to be afraid of their immigration status being checked. The policy changes have been made by Tucson around 12 months after it declared itself to be “an immigrant welcoming city” and as a response to complaints over the police’s behavior toward immigrants.
Many cities, towns and communities are starting to change their attitude to immigrants, embracing the newcomers via community initiatives, ordinances and policies. Immigration experts say that the reason for the change is down to a growing recognition of how vital immigrants are to the economy of the nation.
