Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, Shakira and Seth MacFarlane are just a few stars that are speaking up against the new immigration law passed in Arizona on April 23rd. This law will require police to demand proof of citizenship or legal residency, i.e. a drivers license or state ID to anyone that they suspect to be residing in the country illegally. It would be interesting to see what immigration attorneys across the nation think about this.
At the Billboard Latin Music awards, Ricky Martin used the opportunity to speak his mind on the new law set to go in affect on July 28th. His short and to the point statements were embraced by a standing ovation. Ricky Martin stated the following:
“This is not in the script,” he said. “You are not alone. We are with you. Put a stop to discrimination. Put a stop to hate. Put a stop to racism… Long live love, long live peace.”
The creator of family guy Seth MacFarlene went as far as to compare the anti-immigration law to Nazi Germany saying:
“It’s too much. It’s kind of a slap in the face, it’s not the way to handle it…Nobody but the Nazis ever asked anybody for their papers. Walking down the street, a cop can come up to you and say ‘May I see your papers?’ — I think they should be required to ask that question in German if the law sticks around.”
Gloria Estafan showed her support by taking part in the May 1st stand up and march for equality event. These marches are were held across the nation and you can find more information on it here ReformImmigrationForAmerica.org.
May 7, 2010 at 2:11 pm
It almost seems like it should be illegal to racially profile and search Americans all at the digression of the police. It is hard and unsettling to think that people have passed it as a law.