PA Human Relations Commission Chairman Applauds U.S. Justice Department Lawsuit Challenging Arizona Immigration Law

Notes Potential for Illegal Discrimination in Proposed PA Measure

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Chairman Stephen A. Glassman today applauded the U.S. Department of Justice for its new lawsuit challenging Arizona's controversial immigration law.  

"The Justice Department should be applauded for challenging wrongheaded attempts at immigration reform by states that could do immeasurable damage to the civil rights of legal citizens," Glassman said, noting the commission's opposition to a similar measure that was introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Commission members recently voted to oppose House Bill 2479, citing its significant potential to hinder civil rights law enforcement, encourage racial profiling, and discourage racial and ethnic minorities from seeking public services.

"House Bill 2479 could have a profoundly negative impact on the civil rights of Pennsylvanians," Glassman said.  "Because racial and ethnic minorities are likely to be singled out to prove their immigration status, they are likely to experience discrimination in the way benefits and services are provided, or in the way they are treated as job applicants."

The proposed bill contains provisions allowing law enforcement officials to require proof of immigration status of anyone "...who should reasonably be suspected of being unlawfully present in the United States." It also would require potential employers to verify immigration status before hiring, and local and state government agencies to obtain proof of immigration status before providing benefits and services.  

"The bill specifically says provisions will be carried out without respect to race, religion, gender, ethnicity or national origin," Glassman said. "But it fails to explain how that is possible.

"Such measures have a chilling effect on the trust between minorities and government. Our legislators simply must consider ways of discouraging illegal immigration without diminishing public trust and endangering the civil rights of Pennsylvanians," Glassman said.

The commission enforces Pennsylvania law prohibiting discrimination in employment, and in the provision of public services, such as those provided by state agencies and municipalities. Provisions of the proposed House bill could hinder the commission's ability to investigate complaints of illegal discrimination in these areas, Glassman added.

Media contact: Shannon Powers, 717-783-8266

SOURCE Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

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