Illegal immigrants moving here from Arizona, reports NPR: Sorry, Tom Tancredo

Today, National Public Radio reported that Arizona's new immigration law -- parts of which are on hold -- is having the effect of causing some illegal immigrants to leave, which no doubt cheers local politicians backing it. But reporter Jeff Brady says at least a dozen 'Zona families have recently...

By Michael Roberts

August 4, 2010

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Today, National Public Radio reported that Arizona's new immigration law -- parts of which are on hold -- is having the effect of causing some illegal immigrants to leave, which no doubt cheers local politicians backing it. But reporter Jeff Brady says at least a dozen 'Zona families have recently moved to Colorado -- unhappy news for immigration critic Tom Tancredo, who's heard in the piece, and prefers they go back to Mexico.

Although the figures about newcomers are provided by Jennifer Piper of the American Friends Service Committee, Brady focuses on just one person. Still, expect Tancredo or others running for major office in Colorado this year to bring up the prospect of an immigrant flood from Arizona by way of justifying a toughening of laws here -- which were once considered among the toughest in the nation, as Piper points out.

Listen to the NPR piece here:

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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