Immigrant Advocates Rally On Long Island After Supreme Court Ruling
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - A day after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Arizona's controversial immigration law, immigrant advocates rallied on Long Island, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.
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Dozens stood in Hempstead on Tuesday holding signs that said "Immigrants Welcome Here" as they discussed the high court's decision.
Luis Valenzuela of the Immigrant Alliance told Hall that although he is happy most of the law was struck down, but not happy the 'show me your papers' requirement was upheld.
"That's state-sanctioned racial profiling and the fear is that could lead to copycat states," he told Hall.
The decision to allow police to continue to check the immigration status of those they stop also angered another man at the rally.
"If there is a copycat bill somewhere in New York state, we're prepared to go after it in ways that will be meaningful for the community," Amol Sinja told Hall.
The provisions of the Arizona that were struck down include one that required all immigrants to obtain or carry immigration registration papers.
Also rejected was a provision making it a state criminal offense for an illegal immigrant to seek work or hold a job. And the justices said police can't arrest suspected illegal immigrants without warrants.
The Obama administration had sued to block the Arizona law soon after it was enacted two years ago.
Five other states have adopted variations on the law. Parts of those were on hold pending the outcome of this case.
Where do you stand on the Arizona law? Sound off in the comments section below.
(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
