YWCA Pacific Region
Advocacy Committee
Immigration #1
IMMIGRATION and the YWCA
With the passage of SB.1070 by the Arizona legislature, discussion of immigration issues has stirred debate
nationwide. The YWCA Pacific Region Advocacy Committee believes it is important for YWCAs to discuss the
implications of this bill as well as to prepare for national legislation on immigration. We asked several local
Associations for their experience and public statements and have begun to develop fact sheets. We are sharing
input gathered so far from YWCAs closest to the situation as a first step. More steps will follow.
Background: The Arizona legislature passed SB.1070 which directs state and local police to question people
about their immigration status if there is reason to suspect they are illegal and to produce citizenship documents
for proof. Passage of the bill was partly in reaction to the shooting of a rancher near the border and the belief
that the federal government was not acting effectively to address the issue of illegal immigrants crossing the
border into Arizona. A public outcry resulted with many concerned that the bill would lead to racial profiling and
the stopping of Latinos, documented or not, with or without cause, just because of the color of their skin. The
bill was later amended to clarify that racial profiling would not be used. But the issue remains.
Responses from YWCAs (and the public at large) have been varied:
 The National Association of YWCA Executive Directors canceled its scheduled October meeting in
Phoenix saying that: “The mission of the YWCA, „to eliminate racism and empower women‟ is now in
direct conflict with your state‟s recent law on immigration that perpetuates racial profiling.” Several
YWCAs and cities are considering boycotting.
 YWCA Maricopa Co (Phoenix) issued a public statement and sent a letter from the Board to the
newspapers. They objected on the grounds that it was not a good bill; and their concerns for immigrant
children, who are citizens, and whose parents may be arrested while they are in child care or school,
and they are left alone. They believe “it is better to engage than disengage.” Several cities nationwide
have experienced protest marches against the law.
 YWCA Tucson has taken a strong stand against the bill, speaks out at public meetings, is wearing and
distributing badges that say, “Ask me if I am an immigrant,” and is using a factual power point
presentation to dislodge myths in an effort to educate members and the community about immigration.
The cities of Tucson and Flagstaff have voted to sue the state.
 YWCA Southwest/Delta Region adopted immigration as a priority issue in 2007 and provides
extensive fact sheets and policy information for YWCA Southwest/Delta Region Associations and which
is available to others. YWCA Tulsa has many programs for immigrants.
 Other opinions: President Obama warned that the law could lead to police abuses, has asked the
Justice Department to review the implications, and seeks introduction of legislative reform this year.
Several in Congress have said immigration laws are the federal purview not individual states‟ and
question the constitutionality of the Arizona law. Lawyers‟ opinions vary about whether the law is only
prohibiting conduct already under federal law.
Clearly immigration is a complicated issue that calls for study and reform. We urge all YWCAs
to begin the discussion in the spirit of our mission to eliminate racism and to
work towards comprehensive immigration reform.
Resources (partial list): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona_SB1070
cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/30/arizona.immigration.law.changes/index.html
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/27/national /main6436027; www.usimmigrationlawyers.com
Kay Philips for YWCA Pacific Region Advocacy Committee
May 7, 2010