Oregon Citizens Rally Against Arizona Immigration Law

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem hosted one of forty rallies across the United States today in reaction to Arizona’s new immigration law, advocating for realistic immigration reform.

Hundreds of people of all ethnicities showed up at Oregon’s Capitol to join in the march, with 50,000 expected in Phoenix at the Arizona state Capitol in 95 degree weather. Oregon's mild May climate was less taxing on participants.

The theme of the rally in Salem on Saturday morning was one of peace, unity, and even negotiation. What it wasn't, was obligatory. The group was nothing less than patriotic, and insistent on their rights as citizens. They began the rally with the Pledge of Allegiance, which was almost emotional for many, hands proudly held over their hearts.

SB1070, the Arizona law, is set to take effect July 29th, and critics say it will lead to racial profiling and that it unfairly targets Hispanics or those that "look" like they may be of Hispanic descent. It gives police the right to ask any one for proof of their immigration status if there is “reasonable suspicion” that they might be in the United States illegally, though the definition of “reasonable suspicion” has yet to be explained.

Speakers in Salem called on President Obama and Oregon leaders to enact national immigration reform that keeps families together, and unites communities through a path to citizenship and due process rights for new immigrants.

Signs exclaiming “Citizenship Yes, Deportation No” and "We Are America" abounded at the rally, and the crowd responded with enthusiasm as the speakers proclaimed the intention to move forward toward their common goals.

Supporters of the new Arizona law say it is important because the federal government has failed to enforce immigration laws, and their state wants something done.

Others think they have gone too far, attempting to circumvent federal laws by making it a state crime to be in the country illegally.

“Immigration is only part of the problem. Greed and selfishness are at the root of it all,” said one participant. “We are all in this together. If we don’t start looking at it that way, we’ll all lose.”

Recently, much of the United States has been introduced to a new slogan, “Boycott Arizona”, while Arizonians are hoping to attract those with like attitudes to their own, through a “Buycott” Arizona message encouraging people (papered US citizens) to vacation in the desert this summer.

The boycott campaign asks citizens to do just the opposite through canceling conventions and buying products through companies from other states, hoping the economic impact to the Arizona wallet will influence the law being overturned.

However, according to an Associated Press-Gfk poll, almost twice as many Arizonians people support the Arizona law as those who oppose it. The poll found that 42 percent favored it, 24 percent opposed it, and 29 percent were neutral.

These views are expressed in some degree throughout the United States, but none so harshly as in Arizona. There are varied views on what it will mean if the law is allowed to be enforced.

“What do they think will happen? People aren’t going to suddenly become legal just because Arizona made this law. ‘Illegals’ will just go to other states to work, where they won’t be so harassed,” noted an elderly man. “Why would anyone want to live in Arizona when they’re so hateful?”

Salem’s rally was very positive, with no opposition noticeable. The rally in Portland outside the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) was set to begin at 4:00 p.m., and a large protest is planned for Saturday night in San Francisco at the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game against the Giants. The uproar that Arizona started with their law may be more than they bargained for.

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Fritz October 13, 2010 5:01 pm (Pacific time)

Come and live here and then talk your stuff. It is so bad that it feels nearly like a foriegn country. I've been here almost 20 years and it is the worst I've ever seen it. If I wanted to live in Mexico, I would have moved there. Not to mention, illegals are costing AZ and the U.S.A. Billions. Secure the border before it is too late!

Editor: Geez, I'll send you some Kleenex, Arizona still received US mail right?

Aaron July 18, 2010 9:44 pm (Pacific time)

I have worked my whole life paid taxes and tried my best to live by the rules. I served my country in the Marines and have done my best to help others. I have not and do not have a problem with a Legal immigrants. If one is illegal then they are breaking the rules i have agreed to uphold and live by. I agree with others in that i live by the rules and support the rules, and i agree those that break the rules should be punished. Plain and simple if they are hear against the law then they should go back.AZ's law is leagle if you get stopped you are required to provide ID, what is so wrong with that? If you are involved in a crime you must show ID. What is there for one is there for all not just because you break the law should you be protected from it. In the last 10-20 years those that break the law seem to be the ones that benefit from the law those that follow the laws are the ones that are punished. Before you defend someone who breaks the law ask yourself, do i have so much time on my hands that i can help some one break the law vs helping make sure we keep the law. Is those that defend the breaking the law going to defend someone who breaks it when it affects that person personally? Ex: a person steals your car..after they catch him or her to be fair. Will you want that person punished or will you defend them? Nothing personal but it seems that we spend so much time and money defending those that break the law and no time or money helping those that were hurt from those people. So on AZ. law i support it because they are breaking the law i have to live by plain and simple. ty for your time and sorry for rambling so much.

Sue July 9, 2010 1:56 pm (Pacific time)

BOO!!! If you don't stop this legally , you will see a bloodbath like no other to come. Its not a threat..its a fact. America's last chance to settle it in court and not in the streets. There is too many who are sick of being taken advantage of by these law breaking invaders and their nasty habits to back down now.

the TRUTH June 30, 2010 4:43 pm (Pacific time)

Some how all this negative stuff has to come to an end. Everytime their is fighting anywhere it doesn't end up good for any side. Americans travel to Mexico, Central America for vacations. Whey do you think the hospitality is extremely good. Its because your an American and carry dollars bills with you. In those contries you visit they make a dollar a day working all day. Eventually those people will turn on you like your turning on them. Civil war within our country can be in the future. If you study history well ask me and I can teach you the real history not what the bias book you read here in the States. Great civilizations collapse not from someone else it was within.

Anonymous June 30, 2010 3:59 pm (Pacific time)

in response to Jason.. it is illegal to better your self and dream the american dream. TRUTH a Family is forced to move away from Mexico because the lack of work. They get a hand from a family member to come to the US. Now the parents are not looking nothing more that a better future for their kids. They work in any job even jobs they would not even do in their country. Why not for them but for their kids. Out of the millions of people that walk the streets in those migrations rallies its not because of them its for their children and their children's family. Now some not all finish school even get a degree in something. That would be enough for a father to be thankful he came to this great nation. These people are getting old and don't really care if they get deported. Some already are moving back to their original country. The only reason they will stay here is because of their families. In the white community once to turn 18 your out on your own. In the his Hispanic community family is everything. Ohh to the administrative approve my comments we have the right of speech..

the TRUTH June 30, 2010 3:49 pm (Pacific time)

response to mike.. I agree with you they should give a fair path to citizenship for those illegal migrants that would qualify. Not everyone if your a alcoholic, sex offender, bad record should be sent back with no future to return. Since you read the media they say illegal immigrant don't pay taxes. Not true because a selected few not they say that no one does.

the TRUTH June 30, 2010 3:45 pm (Pacific time)

in response to Loretta I agree with your situation. We need to stop all the illegal drugs from hitting Arizona. Its such a big problem since its a supply and demand world. If you people keep buying it they they will keep selling it to you. Also just because a selective few do sell drugs and break the law that doesn't mean we all do it. Lets see ohh your an 50 + white guy you must be a Minuteman. Since I was raced differently that everyone is equal your not better than me and Im not better than you. We are the the same.

theTRUTH June 30, 2010 3:37 pm (Pacific time)

response to Vic Why do people in Arizona hire illegal migrants to work. Easy not just in Arizona everywhere. Its because in a hard labor positions like fields, restaurants,etc. If you hire a Mexican he will do as much as what 4 white men would do. They don't take long breaks, can work for 14 hours shifts without complaining. If Mexicans happened to get injured they don't claim work comp. They need the job to feed their families since they live paycheck to paycheck. Also Mexicans can afford to loose a job because as you might know they don't qualified for unemployment. You guys (white lazy people) take all that. Look around you in the freeway exist do you see any homeless Mexican asking for money.. No not like the white folks. Why do you think that is. Since its harder for an illegal Mexican to find a job. Thats enough I can go all day to make you pleople see what its like been looked as a illegal Hispanic even though I was born in the states.

ty June 26, 2010 8:09 pm (Pacific time)

wtf how dumb can people be. its not going to be "lets find the brown guy and send thim back to mexico" it will be like all other crimes you are dealing with the police for if you are ilegil and commit a crime thay have the right to ask are you leagil to be here. if you are ilegil and do not commit a crime thay cant stop you and ask if you are legil. thats how its going to work..o wait thay allready ask for you ID when stoped why should it not be ok to ask are you here leagly......duhhhh

moms June 7, 2010 12:38 pm (Pacific time)

have you read your own (OR) immigration bill? Sounds pretty much like AZ to me.

moms June 7, 2010 12:37 pm (Pacific time)

have you read your own (OR) immigration bill? Sounds pretty much like AZ to me.

melissa June 6, 2010 9:15 pm (Pacific time)

I'd like to respond to Tonya, not all minute men are "white", I'm not "white", I'm irish american, maybe I should protest you for categorizing me and my family as "white people", so far, it's "white people" who are being killed on the border by illegals crossing the border and trespassing and trashing people's property. educate yourself before assuming too much.

melissa June 6, 2010 9:10 pm (Pacific time)

has anyone actually read the bill, or the new ammendments to the bill? has anyone lived in arizona for any amount of time and actually been personally affected by illegal immigration? if you're here legally, you're entitled to the rights that come with that privilege, if you're not, then rightfully so, you don't have the same rights afforded those who are here according to U.S. immigration policy. if you're illegal, you're illegal, what's the problem? I can't get a job in the united states unless I can prove I'm here legally, why should it be different for someone else, regardless of the color of your skin or accent?

Doc June 4, 2010 5:09 pm (Pacific time)

I am one of those white guys the editor likes to bash. I too am and x-marine I was also and officer in CA prisons till retirement so I can tell you that I like most of the Mexican people that I have met but in my job as a corrections officer I saw first hand the change in the prison gang members in the 90's they are organized and dangerous and it is criminal that they are allowed to cross our border. So I guess you will have to count me in as one against illegal immigration we now have thousands of other that Mexicans coming across both our southern and northern borders just what do you think they are coming here for and if you say for a better life then you need to grow up and see what is happening around you. Legal immigration only so that we can check your background and then you will be a welcome addition to this country

Anonymous June 3, 2010 2:23 pm (Pacific time)

Tonya you came to the right news site, because king loves people who hate bigotry like him. White maggots are to blame for every single problem in the world. They steal and lie always out of stupidity and ignorance.

Tonya June 2, 2010 8:17 pm (Pacific time)

OMG. Do any of you people know any Hispanics? My husband is Hispanic and illegal but him and his family has been here many years. They have paid taxes, have educations, do not live off the system and have worked jobs that white people would not work. I get so tired of listening to people categorizing all Mexicans as the same. I know more white people being lazy, living off the system and breaking the law then Hispanics. White people feel its THEIR RIGHT or something. The Hispanics that i know that are in jail are only there because of their immigration statues not because of being criminals. Their children are losing out of their education because of our laws not by their choice.

Tonya June 2, 2010 7:53 pm (Pacific time)

We need to have a equal balance of the law. If AZ is having alot of criminals from Mexico, then yes something should be done. But then you need to take care of the criminals. Dont use the Mexicans that are here trying to better them selves by using them as scape goats. I would like to know why is it not OK to break the law by coming to a county to have a better life for you and your family, if your Mexican But if your white it is not against the law to say your a minute man and have the OK to go shot humans like animals on the borders.

Steve June 1, 2010 1:41 pm (Pacific time)

NC supports AZ. Exactly what part of the term "illegal" do you not understand?

RC May 31, 2010 10:47 am (Pacific time)

I was wondering about the statement by the Editor that inferred not since Clinton have people had a chance to earn a decent living. Let's get real, when Clinton first got into office he raised taxes and the unemployment rate went up. Then the largest reverse of the political make-up of Congress happened in 1994. After the Republicans took over all Clinton did was sign their legislation which included tax cuts which resulted in an improving economy and millions of new jobs. There is not one Clinton piece of legislation that he proposed that impacted the economy after the 1994 legislation. In regards to his impeachment, it never had anything to do with Lewinsky, zip. Do you recall the over 100 people who took the 5th during different investigations of Clinton? What were they hiding? Kind of like now, regarding Sestak-gate, which may become pretty intense as time goes by. Also during the Bush administration millions of jobs were created, but shortly after the dems took power things began to get sour. Just look at the Dept. of Labor history to see that reality. When it comes to republicans starting wars and the democrats stopping them, of course not, it's just the opposite. Also when it comes to criminal convictions of congressional members that went to jail, democrats have a three to one lead over republicans. America has a free enterprise system which has raised the quality of life and stand of living for Americans, where even those that are considered living in poverty have a higher standard of living than the average european. With a "real" unemployment rate (counting those that quit looking and under-employed) hovering around 20%, sure we need to get Americans employed and have that money circulating domestically. It is reported that approximately 21 billion dollars is sent to just Mexico alone by those working here illegally. That is Mexico's number 2 source of income after oil, so naturally they have an agenda for us to not enforce immigration laws while they certainly enforce there's quite violently at times. We cannot afford to maintain the status quo with the growing illegals and their social costs that far exceed any contributions they make. In 1986 Regan granted amnesty to 3 million illegals with the proviso that the border would be closed. It is now far more porous and there are people from around the world coming here, many suspected of being terrorists. So by enforcing sanctions against employers we may slow down the incoming tide and create a wave of volunteer self-deportees. This should cause wages to increase as labor becomes in more of a demand. If this is not done soon we will have a civil war beyond anything one could imagine, and any martial law will fail. There may be over 40 million illegals here. The criminal fraud and other violent criminal acts by illegals are playing havoc on Americans, and it is our citizens that have priority and only our citizens. We have been lucky that many of the terrorists have failed, but this administration is going to get many Americans killed because of their incredible incompetence. Just see this for the coming problems: http://www.thedustininmansociety.org/thousand_words/pics_illegal_alien_rally_phoenix_2010may29.html

malory May 31, 2010 5:27 am (Pacific time)

It’s high time to get a handle on illegal immigration. SB 1070 is not about race but the rule of law. However we need to hear your opinion at http://immigration.civiltalks.com Cast your vote - each comment counts.

bill May 30, 2010 11:21 pm (Pacific time)

we have set rules or laws to keep these people out until they do citizenship classes.we in oregon spend 11000.00 a year to let these folks in this state,check the buget office has alresdy do the figures.give them hell Arizona.

the bear party May 30, 2010 3:26 pm (Pacific time)

Trouble in Arizona- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x6ujiRq7AM

Douglas Benson May 30, 2010 10:09 am (Pacific time)

If I had known I would have showed my support for Arizona.

Henry Clay Ruark May 30, 2010 9:19 am (Pacific time)

Friend Amanda: No "profile in courage" here but simply self-interest and misunderstanding of WHY long- term border-security neglect was allowed to happen: Provision of low/cost labor easily manipulated and abused by powerful, greedy interests closely allied with previous "administration". Pragmatic, practical,humane and Constitutional protections can now come about as former paid/off protectors of status quo are recognized, with full reliance on commonsense new legislation next step.

Dan May 30, 2010 9:10 am (Pacific time)

It appears the polls referenced in this article far understate both the support found in Arizona (over 70%0 and very similar numbers across America. A battle royal is building, especially as the gas prices go up along with the unemployment rate. We have a diminishing resource base to take care of our own citizens...

Vic May 30, 2010 8:50 am (Pacific time)

I dont know why Arizonans hire "illegals" instead of their own citizens. I mean, if I had some brush clearing work to do, I would much rather hire an alcoholic seventy-seven year old pot-bellied ,asthmatic white man who would want half the national debt just to get off his Rascal than some hard working, fit Mexican guy. Wouldnt we all ? There are a lot of available workers in Arizona...go to any Early-Bird breakfast and youll see them drooling on their shirts while they talk so loud that the whole restaraunt has to listen to their mindless drivel. Usually they are wearing a "Freedom Isnt Free" T-shirt or a Harley Davidson shirt so that everyone can see how bad-ass they are. About half have a withered, semi-mummified thing with them that used to be a woman "back in the day", but now resembles a pear that was left out in the sun for two weeks and lathered with nostril-searing industrial strength "perfume". Now these are the people I would hire if I had some hard work to do. Real Americans ! Any Mexican with a shred of self respect should stay away from Arizona...let the fit and eager to work citizens of that wasteland take over. Prices for everything will skyrocket, but hey "Freedom Isnt Free"..and neither is recism.

Loretta May 30, 2010 7:12 am (Pacific time)

I am an Arizonian and I agree with the new immigration reform law. I know for a fact that most of the drugs being sold in the southwest are being sold by no other than these illegal immigrants. GO HOME or come in to the states legally. And also please learn the language of this country, English. Thanks and may God Bless America.

Tami May 30, 2010 6:58 am (Pacific time)

I agree with the new Arizona Immigration Law. If anyone gets pulled over anywhere in America, they must provide proof of citizenship, its called a Drivers License. It's NOT racial profiling they are here ILLEGALLY! If you or I commit and illegal act we must pay the consequences for that action, and so must they. GO AZ!!!

Mike May 30, 2010 2:23 am (Pacific time)

Citizenship, Yes. Deportation, No. Perfect, now they are willing to pay taxes and do things properly rather than be leeches on the services we provide which are paid for by hard working Americans. Why is citizenship so hard to accomplish? Let's expedite the process and get these guys working at our sides and building this nation together.

Viking May 30, 2010 1:42 am (Pacific time)

There is enough legal and native born scum in America to ensure its destruction so I don’t see how allowing waves of illegal, uncouth, and mostly uneducated rabble is going to help this country. It is a fact that America’s prisons are swelling with illegal Hispanics, it is a fact that American police are outnumbered and powerless against the rising Latino gangs and criminals in the southwest, it is a fact that many U.S. employers are now refusing to hire legal citizens and instead employ illegals for a fraction of the normal pay and without any benefits, it is a fact that most of these people leech off society, the medical industry, and don’t pay taxes, it is a fact that no nation can survive without borders and laws. The very concept of allowing an unlimited amount of people into a country is nothing short of lunacy. I am a first generation immigrant that came to this country legally. Not once did my family ever receive any help from the government or leech off any program or service like these people do. Not once did we forget to pay our taxes, not once did we ever commit any crime, not once did we demand to be spoken in our native tongue, and not once did we fly any flag but an American, not to mention active duty service in the Marine Corps. But I guess that’s the difference between a Nordic immigrant and these shameless pagan hordes.

Editor: Viking man, things are easy for white people, you have nothing to compare to the plight of these people, in fact you seem rather proud of your white race and I don't get very comfortable over that, but why is something OK for you but not for others? You are from a country that has friggin' white people so of course you were able to move here, and even until the time of Clinton people in this country had half a chance of earning a decent honest living, but there are no jobs in Oregon, for example. My dad worked one job and provided a good living, I don't know anyone today who has a similar situation. You see, corporate greedy bastards and share holders ruined this nation of capitalists. It isn't looking so good, the nation is embattled in two wars overseas, but people whine about immigrants, because they listen to that POS FOX. I'd like to take Limbaugh and O'Reilly into a boxing ring at the same time and just demolish them, smash their heads together and make them know what pain is, what the division they are responsible for in this nation has caused, and even our letting people like you spout your hate speech is probably not helping. I was a Marine too, sad you didn't come out of the Corps with a better look at things, but since you weren't even born here, it takes a lot of gall to run your mouth about others who want to be here. Semper fi, that is Salem-News.com, is always faithful. We see the earth as one place and these stupid political borders as secondary in terms of importance.

argos May 29, 2010 11:37 pm (Pacific time)

IF Arizona Law might just be a profiLe in couraage to be duplicated by Amanda theh therefore this no longer the United States of America that was one day founded byt the same essence which was fought by the americans french spaniards....etc etc

jason May 29, 2010 10:17 pm (Pacific time)

first read the bill before you trash it. it clearly states they have to be in contact with police for some other reason first and then if reasonable suspicion exists they can check immigration status. it enforces already existing federal laws. the bill is against illegal aliens not immigrants. get your facts straight. illegal means against the law. hence the term illegal aliens. they are already breaking the the law by being in this country.

Amanda May 29, 2010 8:25 pm (Pacific time)

To pledge allegance to the Flag, and condone illegal immigrantion, is rather a two-sided sword.if our elected officials do not have the guts to bring about Immigaration Reform, then the Arizona Law might just be a profiLe in couraage to be duplicated.

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Oregon Citizens Rally Against Arizona Immigration Law

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