WASHINGTON - April 26 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a longtime advocate for comprehensive and humane immigration reform, calls Arizona's new immigration law "draconian and inhumane." Under the measure, signed into law late Friday, police officers can question people about their immigration status if there is "reasonable suspicion" they may be in the country undocumented.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"Arizona's new immigration law is draconian and inhumane. It has no place on the books anywhere. The potential for racial profiling, infringement of civil liberties, and violence and harassment against individuals and their families just going about their daily lives is enormous. Comprehensive immigration reform is critically needed, but targeting and demonizing people is not the answer; stripping people of fundamental rights and common humanity is not the answer. Our political leaders must work toward reform that is fair and humane. This law is neither. It is a cruel, quick fix that demeans our country's values of freedom, justice and equality."