Major League Baseball Players Union Opposes Arizona Immigration Law !

For Immediate Release

Statement of MLBPA Executive Director Michael Weiner
Regarding Arizona Immigration Law

New York, NY, Friday, April 30, 2010 ... The following statement was issued today by Major League Baseball
Players Association Executive Director Michael Weiner regarding the immigration law recently passed by the
state of Arizona.

“The recent passage by Arizona of a new immigration law could have a negative impact on hundreds of
Major League players who are citizens of countries other than the United States. These international
players are very much a part of our national pastime and are important members of our Association.
Their contributions to our sport have been invaluable, and their exploits have been witnessed, enjoyed
and applauded by millions of Americans. All of them, as well as the Clubs for whom they play, have
gone to great lengths to ensure full compliance with federal immigration law.

“The impact of the bill signed into law in Arizona last Friday is not limited to the players on one team.
The international players on the Diamondbacks work and, with their families, reside in Arizona from
April through September or October. In addition, during the season, hundreds of international players
on opposing Major League teams travel to Arizona to play the Diamondbacks. And, the spring training
homes of half of the 30 Major League teams are now in Arizona. All of these players, as well as their
families, could be adversely affected, even though their presence in the United States is legal. Each of
them must be ready to prove, at any time, his identity and the legality of his being in Arizona to any
state or local official with suspicion of his immigration status. This law also may affect players who are
U.S. citizens but are suspected by law enforcement of being of foreign descent.

“The Major League Baseball Players Association opposes this law as written. We hope that the law is
repealed or modified promptly. If the current law goes into effect, the MLBPA will consider additional
steps necessary to protect the rights and interests of our members.

“My statement reflects the institutional position of the Union. It was arrived at after consultation with our
members and after consideration of their various views on this controversial subject.”
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Media Contact: Greg Bouris, MLBPA Director of Communications, 212/826-0808

http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/pdf/20100430_weiner_statement_on_arizona_immigration_law.pdf

to a different venue. Arizona does not deserve this revenue.