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NBLSA Files Amicus Brief with Asian American Institute and other Organizations Opposing SB 1070Washington, DC (June 29, 2010) - Last week, The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), Asian American Institute, and 37 other public interest organizations filed an amicus brief with the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, opposing Arizona immigration bill SB 1070. The bill, signed by Governor Jan Brewer in April, essentially allows law enforcement officials to detain anyone they reasonably suspect is in the country without authorization or proper documentation. Critics of SB 1070 argue that the bill is unconstitutional and violates the fundamental rights of citizens, but supporters argue that the bill's enforcement will deter illegal immigration and reduce crime. NBLSA joins partners in this brief arguing that enforcement of SB 1070 will result in discrimination against certain communities of color and threaten public safety in Arizona. The brief further argues that the stated ends of the proposed legislation do not justify the means of its implementation. NBLSA is asking the Court to consider the issues of discrimination associated with determining a person's immigration status solely on the basis of physical appearance and diction. Additionally, it is equally important for the Court to contemplate the chilling effect SB 1070 will have on the civic duty of crime reporting and prevention. The state of Arizona has a legitimate interest in curtailing illegal immigration and reducing crime, however, that interest cannot be met by using extraordinary and biased means like those set forth in SB 1070. The amici on the brief represent many different backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, and orientations. It is clear from the brief collaboration that a variety of people and groups are concerned about the impact of the District Court's decision. As a general rule of this democratic nation, no one deserves to be subjected to discrimination or treated as a second-class citizen because of their origin or ethnicity. We hope to sway the court on the merits of this filing and look forward to a favorable decision. • Access brief Press Contact: About The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA): Founded in 1968, the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) is a national, non-profit organization created and designed to articulate and promote the professional needs and goals of Black law students; foster and encourage professional competence; focus upon the relationship of the Black attorney to the American legal system; instill in the Black attorney and law student a greater awareness of and commitment to the needs of the Black community; utilize member expertise to initiate a change within the legal system that will make it more responsive to the needs and concerns of the Black community; and do any and all things necessary and lawful in order to accomplish these goals. NBLSA is the largest student-run organization in America and has approximately 200 chapters at law schools throughout the country. This represents almost every ABA accredited law school, plus several non-accredited law schools. These chapters represent nearly 6,000 Black law students in six regions that encompass 48 states including Hawaii and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Recently, NBLSA has established an international connection with Black law students in Canada, England, South Africa, and the Bahamas who have decided to model their student organizations after NBLSA. |
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