ND Expert: Arizona immigration law fuels misconception that all Latinos are illegal | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › ND Expert: Arizona immigration law fuels misconception that all Latinos are illegal ND Expert: Arizona immigration law fuels misconception that all Latinos are illegal Published: June 16, 2010 Author: Shannon Roddel Allert Brown-Gort, associate director of the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Latino Studies, is critical of Arizona’s immigration law that goes into effect next month. The law requires an officer to determine a person’s immigration status if he/she is stopped, detained or arrested and there is “reasonable suspicion” that person is in the U.S. illegally. “The law adds fuel to the popular belief that ‘Latino-equals-immigrant-equals-illegal,’” Brown-Gort says. “This means that apart from any issues with law enforcement, any Latino is already guilty of all the ills that have long been attached to immigrants. In a country where more than two-thirds of Latinos are citizens and more than half are native-born, we should not be surprised when people do not appreciate being questioned about their right to live in their country, to belong to a society they have helped to prosper, or to have their history erased. In that sense, the issue of undocumented migration affects all Latinos directly.” However, Brown-Gort says the Arizona law may end up benefitting Latinos in the long run. “A reaction to this law and similar laws will likely result in increased civic participation of Latinos and cooperation from among all national origin groups, and will encourage Latino youths to vote,” Brown-Gort says. “For those who see Arizona-style laws as the mechanism to stop the growth of Latino political power, the end results might be surprising.” Brown-Gort is a citizen of both the United States and Mexico, an expert on immigration policy, civil service reform and the political views of Mexican nationals in the United States. In addition to writing numerous op-ed pieces on immigration and being interviewed on NPR, CBS News and the Lehrer Newshour, among others, he has served as an advisor to the U.S. Senate on Hispanic issues. Brown-Gort is particularly critical of draconian proposals for immigration policy reform. He addressed the Obama administration’s decision to send an additional 1,200 National Guard troops and commit $500 million to “secure” the border with Mexico this week in an Indianapolis Star column. Media advisory: Brown-Gort’s comments may be used in whole or in part. He is available for interviews and can be reached at 574-631-3787 (office), 574-360-5471 (cell), or browngort.1@nd.edu. Posted In: International Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Related September 30, 2022 Nanovic Institute to welcome former President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović September 29, 2022 Notre Dame, Ukrainian Catholic University launch three new research grants September 27, 2022 Notre Dame, Trinity College Dublin engineers join to advance novel treatment for cystic fibrosis September 14, 2022 Apostolic nuncio to Great Britain to deliver the 2022 Keeley Vatican Lecture September 12, 2022 Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street … in different countries? For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn