News & Commentary

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: