News & Commentary

La Union Americana de Libertades Civiles de Arkansas (ACLU de AR) emite una alerta a los residentes del estado de Arkansas respecto a posibles amenazas a los derechos constitucionales y libertades civiles de individuos que tengan pensado viajar o permanecer en el Estado de Arizona.

Please see document referenced below in the documents section.

Please see document referenced below in the documents section.

Conforme se aproxima el fin de semana feriado, la ACLU del estado de Arkansas difunde alerta a residentes del estado que viajen a Arizona

On April 23, 2010, Arizona enacted a state racial profiling law, SB 1070, that has generated fear and confusion among the public about the treatment and rights of Americans in the State of Arizona. Although the law is not scheduled to go into effect until July 29, 2010, and multiple lawsuits have already been filed to prevent it from taking effect at all, a history of rampant racial profiling by law enforcement officials in Maricopa County, Arizona (which includes the cities of Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, and Scottsdale) and a stated policy of "attrition through enforcement" adopted by lawmakers in the state give credible reason to be concerned even before the date SB 1070 is supposed to go into effect. The law will requir

LITTLE ROCK, AR, June 30, 2010 -- In response to civil liberties threats caused by the recent passage of Arizona's racial profiling law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas issued a travel alert today informing Arkansas residents of their rights when stopped by law enforcement when traveling in Arizona. The unconstitutional law, known as SB 1070, requires law enforcement agents to demand "papers" from people they stop who they suspect are not authorized to be in the U.S. If individuals are unable to prove to officers that they are permitted to be in the U.S., they may be subject to warrantless arrest without any probable cause that they have committed a crime. Although the law is

By making it a crime to house or feed families in need of food, shelter or transportation to church or the doctor's office, the bill would make felons out of Good Samaritans. Will Lead To Litigation. States like Oklahoma with similar bills have gone straight to the courtroom, spending taxpayer dollars in their defense. The U.S. and Oklahoma Chambers of Commerce have successfully sued to block similar legislation. This bill will likely lead to illegal discrimination by the State, cities, jails, employers, charities and others. Not Arkansas' Job.Arkansas is not responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws and can't afford to do the federal government's job. PLEASE VOTE NO ON HB 1093

October 29, 2007LITTLE ROCK--Today the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas announced that it is part of a coalition working for fair and equal treatment and due process for immigrants, and those perceived to be immigrants, in Arkansas.  The new group, the Arkansas Friendship Coalition, consists of leaders in the faith, business, and social justice communities."Arkansas has seen one of the country's fastest growing Latino populations over the last ten years and the reception has not always been warm," said ACLU of Arkansas executive director Rita Sklar.  "Some local and state government officials have tried to portray every immigrant as a criminal, a gang member or drug abuser who is a drain on society.  This coalition hopes to counter that view and ensure that no one's rights are violated because of the color of their skin or their ability to speak English."The press release issued by the Friendship CoalitionWe are a nation of immigrants.  The very foundations of our country were built on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of immigrants.  Those were hopes and dreams of a land of opportunity that would provide a better life for their families.  It is those same hopes, dreams and aspirations that today imbue the over 100,000 immigrants who have come to call Arkansas home. Through their hopes and dreams, immigrants are making a huge contribution to Arkansas.  We, as a group of leaders in this state, have come together to form a coalition to encourage a reasonable and respectful approach to the immigration debate in Arkansas.Our core beliefs are: