MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WTAQ) - A Milwaukee immigrant rights’ group went ahead with a protest this morning against Arizona’s watered down immigration law. Voces de la Frontera said a federal court ruling yesterday which struck down parts of the law did not solve the immigration problem.
Valeria Gonzales said the protest is still needed because quote, “unjust deportations continue.” The Arizona measure took effect today without it's most controversial provisions. Judge Susan Bolton barred police officers from checking the immigration status of the people they stop.
She also struck down measures that barred illegal immigrants from applying for jobs and made legal immigrants carry their registration papers at all times. The law still makes it a crime to transport or harbor illegal immigrants.
State officials in Arizona are planning to appeal. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope will hold a prayer service tonight to plead for justice and compassion. A similar service is planned for tonight in Waukesha, held by the SOPHIA justice ministry.
