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Activists Protest Arizona’s Immigration Law During Morning Commute

(KABC) The battle over Arizona’s controversial immigration law is about to reach the boiling point as the law is set to take effect on Thursday. As the possible enforcement date nears, opponents have stepped up protests.

The Grand Avenue overpass in downtown Los Angeles is one of three spots where protesters gathered on Monday to hold up banners against the Arizona immigration law.

Protesters focused on grabbing the attention of commuters in rush hour traffic. They began their demonstration at 7 a.m. and planned to end the protest at around 9 a.m. Protesters also plan on demonstrating again at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The banner protests included the Broadway and Spring street overpasses in addition to the Grand Avenue overpass.

While it is illegal to hang banners from an overpass, it is legal to hold banners as long as state property is not damaged.

A activist group called, “We Are All Arizona” organized the event, and they plan to repeat the banner demonstrations every day this week leading up to the enforcement date of Senate Bill 1070 if it goes into effect.

The law is being challenged in the courts, but if it’s allowed to stand as is, it would require police officers to check a person’s immigration status if the officers suspect the person is in the country illegally.

Those who support the law say an exodus of undocumented workers will open up low-paying jobs and save tax payers’ money on schools and social services. Those who oppose it say it’s unconstitutional.

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a preliminary injunction against Arizona to keep the law from being implemented.

Meantime, protests are planned across the country. A big gathering is expected in the Washington D.C. sometime this week.

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