Dan Pochoda (left), AzCLU Litigation Director, at July 28, 2010, press conference

Follow-on to the immigration case ruling by Judge Susan Bolton has been various, to say the least.

U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva rescinded his call for a boycott. He had made the brash suggestion when SB1070 was first signed. Now that he has recommended the change, I suppose we all will be inundated with family visitors again (another unforeseen consequence of policy-making).

Governor Jan Brewer said that this ruling was just a bump in the road. Today, Arizona Republic cartoonist Steve Benson had some fun with her choice of words. (As I write this Thursday afternoon, I got notice that the state has appealed.)

Steve Benson's take

There have also been standoffs with the police. Last night, protestors effectively sealed off the small town of Guadalupe, denying Sheriff’s deputies—and city buses and others—access for more than an hour. Today, downtown Phoenix has been the site of numerous protests, and even dozens of arrests. Those arrested included activist and former state Senator Alfredo Gutierrez (who was a great panelist at an SB1070 forum I moderated earlier this summer).

Former Ariz. Senator Alfredo Gutierrez

At a press conference yesterday put on by plaintiff’s groups (excluding the Department of Justice), the groups were, as you might guess, very pleased. The AzCLU’s Litigation Director, Dan Pochoda, praised the judge’s decision. He added that the law’s preamble—which says its intent is winning the immigration battle by attrition—“infused” all elements of the ruling, though the judge has only based her decision (so far) on federal pre-emption.

Steve Schwartz, SEIU

Steve Schwartz, of the Service Employees International Union—SEIU—which hosted the press conference, called the law “a cheap political stunt.” He also used the “P” word, adding, “The law pre-empts an honest debate about immigration issues. We know there’s a problem, but it’s unrealistic to round up millions of people.”

But not everyone was wholly pleased. Representatives from day-laborer organizations called the day’s events “bittersweet,” saying they were disappointed that Judge Bolton did not enjoin enforcement of that portion of the law.

Here are some more photos from the conference.

Annie Lai, AzCLU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jaime Farrant, Border Action Network

 

One of the more unique responses came into my in-box late in the day. It pitched an artist exhibition titled “SB1070: An Artist’s Point of View.”

Here is more info, if you’d like to see the law through an artistic lens:

 

Date:         Friday, July 30, 2010
Time:         6:00pm – 10:00pm
Location:  ALAC (Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center), 147 East Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

A community reception will be held honoring the incredible efforts of community artists to shift the conversation this Friday, July 30th beginning at 6 pm.

The wall, the Arizona flag, stop signs, The Constitution, a Native American, death, skeletons, labor, border lovers, fields, The Dream Act, the Virgin of Guadalupe are but a few of the images used by artists for the premier thought-provoking exhibit entitled: “SB1070 – An Artist’s Point of View.” The educational exhibit opened at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC) Saturday, July 24.

The show was well received and was attended by notable community leaders from Jim Ballinger of the Phoenix Art Museum, former Senator Alfredo Gutierrez, ALAC board members Francisco Gutierrez and James Fisher, and a standing room only crowd.

A broad call for artists was sent out through the community and the criteria for the show was “SB1070 – An Artist’s Point of View.” Some 30 pieces of art were submitted for the exhibit. “Every piece provides an opportunity for reflection and a point of view regarding SB1070 and its interpretation by artists. Artists provide an essential point of view and dialogue for this important sea change in Arizona’s history,” said Annie Loyd, founder/ceo of The FUSION Foundation.

The “SB1070 – An Artist’s Point of View” reception will provide the community an opportunity to unwind, recharge their inspiration, meet the artists, and converse with community leaders. Renowned artist Gennaro Garcia will be creating artistic representations of an art piece he created specifically related to SB1070 . The reception will also feature music, performances, discussion and refreshments. The reception is open to the public at no cost.

HOSTS: Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC) and The FUSION Foundation

WHAT: ALAC in collaboration with The FUSION Foundation, The Arizona Hispanic Forum, Despins Printing, Mouth To Mouth Media, Community Public Relations and N’Touch Magazine,  the community is invited to a reception Friday beginning at 6:00 p.m. and to experience the educational exhibit entitled “SB1070 – An Artist’s Point of View.”

WHERE: Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC), 147 East Adams St, Phoenix, AZ

WHEN: Friday, July 30, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

For more information please contact:
ErLinda Torres
Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC)
602.254-9817 – Office
602.793.1293 – Cell
LindaTorres@alacaz.org
http://alacaz.org
 
Annie Loyd
The FUSION Foundation
602-999-2424
annie@thefusionfoundation.org
http://thefusionfoundation.org