Businesses close in Arizona

Arizona immigration battle turns bitter
The US state's new immigration law is threatening to divide America with panicking Hispanic families fleeing
The Guardian Sunday 18 July 2010

The intersection of 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road on the west side of Phoenix is lined with the same monotonous range of petrol stations, fast-food outlets, pharmacies and clothes stores that you'll find in any modern city in America's heartlands. It is distinguished only by the exceptionally mundane.

Look closer, though, and a disturbing pattern emerges. Here is a real estate office that is shuttered and empty, here a panaderia – a bread shop – that has closed, and next door to that, a children's clothes store also shut. Across the road a cellphone outlet is boarded up and a large grocery store has vanished. A Mexican restaurant still has its sign proudly boasting "Tacos Since 1975", but there are no tacos being made here any more. A rival restaurant nearby, Marly's Mexican Food, has a sign saying "Drive Thru Open", yet the building has been stripped bare. A handwritten note in the front entrance says "Se cierra el negocio porque nos mudamos de estado" – the restaurant is closed because we've moved out of the state.

It's as if the whole area is turning into a tourist ghost town, for which the west is renowned. But this is not supposed to be a ghost town. This is bustling Phoenix, capital of Arizona and one of America's fastest growing and most dynamic metropolises.

Why this is going on is the question put to Sergio Diaz, the owner of an English language school next to Marly's restaurant, where a room full of young students are practising English verbs. "We've been in business since 2000," Diaz says. "At the end of this month we are going to close."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/18/hispanics-flee-arizona-immigration-law

which has practiced some enlightened policies toward immigrants both legal and illegal for many years. Illegal immigrants are allowed driver's licenses here to get them to register and insure their cars and the policy is working. Some cities and counties are official sanctuaries where anti immigrant policing is illegal. There is less of the prejudice here one finds in the other border states.

Unfortunately, an extremely well funded and hate driven Republican is running for governor and we're all afraid she'll win and decades of enlightened policies will be trashed overnight.

However, until and unless that happens, Arizona's losses are turning into our gains as business is transferred here.

Big

*SIGH*

in the Melbourne paper, 'The Age' and had to go look up the full article. Isn't this being reported in the USA?

unless of course it satisfies some corporate agenda. The Guardian has become my "go-to" source for suppressed news here in the states.

And tomorrow your papers will be full of it :)

Thank you! Good night!

I agree...

I still refer folks to its reporting of Bush's Paraguay land deal...

Paraguay in a spin about Bush's alleged 100,000 acre hideaway

I don't think this story was ever reported in the MSM...

talks about the bush land deals in there--including the fact that george sr has had over 171,000 acres in the area for years. possible control of the aquifer, the dam, and awfully close to a military base as well. not surprising, alas.

http://www.bluegold-worldwaterwars.com/actionplan/index.html

(saw this on the sundance channel)

I once read that the Bush Family wants to become "the Saudis of water."

You would think that the purchase of so much land in another part of the world by a sitting US President would raise some questions, but not from our MSM apparently...:eyes:

for the last 2 months. This has actually been ongoing since the law has passed and I've been hearing it from local sources, East Valley Tribune, Phoenix New Times, AZ Republic, 3 TV, Local Fox, NBC, CBS, and ABC. I only have 22 channels so I watch the local news a lot. :)

At least that's what the advertising for racism says.

The stagnant coal-mining community had become home to a growing Latino community. Then it passed a law requiring landlords to check citizenship of prospective tenants (!). Though, obviously, the law is unenforceable, it had the desired (by some) effect: driving Latinos out of town. Result: Downtown Hazleton is well on its way back to being a boarded-up wasteland. :eyes:

from day 1.

It's so sad to see AZ learn the hard way. :(

They're reaping the dubious rewards of their racist attitudes. My advice to Arizonans? Move away from there.

But having to move to another state is putting an unreasonable burden on small business owners and their families. I hope they can find somewhere to live that welcomes them and they can recover and go back to running their businesses.

is an attractive option. Voting with your feet has long been an effective political tool.

when you add up the scarcity of small business loans right now, the horrible real estate market and the lack of jobs.

If we all leave who are fighting this law, then we would be allowing the thugs to win. I admit I am discouraged with Goddard, Glassman and other Democratic Party candidates and leaders saying let's not make too much of this, we are the minority so we have to be careful and not be too loud. Really I no longer know what to do. I have called Goddard's campaign, talked to the Democratic Party here in Arizona and seems they are scared of Jan Brewer. I have even changed my party preference to no party preference but nothing seems to deter them from being jellyfish. I guess they don't know a jellyfish won't live long in the desert.

though, is not prudent. Even armies that win wars sometimes retreat from individual battles. Arizona may well be a lost cause at this point. I don't know.

I live in Phoenix and I am trying hard to move to the rim country. Although it is still a conservative area I am thinking it is far enough away from Maricopa County maybe it won't hurt as bad as I see this valley getting hurt. Mesa is a mecca of hate groups, and Phoenix is losing so much of their population due to this, I don't see how anyone other than a rich person will be able to afford to live in it. Add in nuts like Arpaio, Pearce, J.T. Ready and their ilk, I think this valley will suffer more than any other part of Arizona. Also I should mention Penal County where Joe Arpaio want to be Paul Balbo (not sure of spelling because I just call him sheriff Baboon) is joining in on making claims he can't back up.

Also I should mention Penal County where Joe Arpaio want to be Paul Balbo (not sure of spelling because I just call him sheriff Baboon) is joining in on making claims he can't back up.

The county that lies between Phoenix and Tucson is spelled "Pinal" -- but it sounds like Sheriff Baboon wants to make it a penal colony, so it fits!

three months later. I spend a lot of time visiting my grandparents when I was a kid, though, so that part of Arizona is very familiar to me, as is the Tucson area, where I've also spent quite a bit of time. The one thing I remember strongly from the Superior area, in Pinal County was the deep-seated prejudice against people with last names that ended in "s" or "z." That, even though almost all of them, in the 50s and 60s were citizens of the US. It was palpable.

I found acceptance and friendship in the Latino community. My heart breaks for Arizona.

He's the sheriff who appeared in McCain's "Build the damn fence" campaign ad. He's also an ally of Sheriff Joe.

running for office. The leadership always comes from below. If you're looking to Goddard to lead, you're looking to the wrong place, imo.

By the same logic, you and I are responsible for Bush's torture program.

It doesn't serve Arizona right. This is going to ruin a lot of lives that the Reublicans in power don't give a sh!t about. I hope they're able to turn these assholes out of office.

Look, I know Arizona quite well. I was even born there. The white Republicans have gerrymandered that state to within an inch of its life, and there are so many hispanics living in Arizona, and so few in the legislature that it's painfully obvious.

When I say that this serves Arizona right, I'm talking about the white Republicans who own and run the state. It does serve them right. As for the rest of the population...they've been held down so long, I can't imagine why they haven't all left already.

And an uprising is long, long overdue.

I'd think that to be about the last thing that would happen. People will leave AZ, instead, one way or another.

Before this is over, many people will see their lives turned even more topsy-turvy than they already are. The blame goes directly to the Republicans and the ugly racism and anti-immigrant attitude that is endemic in that state.

And it's Arizona, where many, many of its place names are Spanish or Native American words. How shameful.

I wanted to for awhile, especially when the citizens voted to make gay marriage illegal under the state constitution-similar to prop 8.

But I have to consider my son, who just went through my ex and my painful divorce and needs his friends, his basketball coach, his music instructor, etc. (dad lives in the Czech Republic now--and my son is 13; you wanna know tough? I'm it). I can't afford to just uproot anyway--I'm finishing up a professional program and my prospects aren't good.

I really wish it were that easy, but until then, I'll fight this racism with every bit of gristle I have left. But yes, I'm ashamed, I really am.

I suspect arizonans are in for a rude awakening.

THEY DON'T CARE. They do not care if thousands of Hispanics, legal and illegal, move away. They do not care if children, American citizens in most cases, do not get vaccinated or receive medical care or education here or have to move "back" to countries they have no knowledge of. They do not care if Arizona's economy shrinks further. They do not care if businesses close and parts of towns dry up and blow away.

They just want the brown people out, IMHO, and they do not care about the repercussions. It's maddening and I wish with all my heart I could move tomorrow, but I'm just not able to. x(

It is a complete absence of forethought, planning and considering consequences. SB 1070 provides an immediate and prominent rallying point for bigots. It's a kneejerk law, written to pander to the base, emotional, lizard brains of racists. It is unsustainable and no-one has thought that out.

The impact is already being felt--and our politicians are SHOCKED.

Stupidity just beams from our state capitol.

by the economy crashing all over the state. Don't forget that.

Our jobs aren't dependent on the rich localized economies in Hispanic neighborhoods; that money never gets out of the area. The taco stand operators don't go to CostCo and Sprawl-Mart to get food wrapping and don't pay APS or SRP for their electricity, they generate it themselves!

Of course I'm being sarcastic--but it's utterly amazing to me how many acquaintances I know who favor this gawdawful travesty of a law think that way even when I can point out direct relationships.

That's what it all boils down to. They're HAPPY that the "brown people" are leaving. Just wait until they can't find anyone who will do their yard work, clean their houses, and all the other things they don't want to do. Idiots.

or enrolling their kids in school or paying local taxes.

8 billion 700 million but I think that is just from lost of Hispanic business, but I could be wrong.

the impact within a year or so. It's unreal how many little businesses once iin thriving strip malls and stand-alones have shuttered within just a few months. The economic impact will start to show very early nxt year if not sooner.

It won't be long before already strapped state and local services will be cut--and just what the racists thought they could prevent with this stupidity--crime--will go up for a lack of public services. Bookmark this post and ask me if you are ever curious; I guarantee that I'm right.

... just what Shit-for-Brains did to the USA.

They are just continuing the job on a lesser level.





Their distorted idea of a utopia doesn't surprise me in the least.
It's just too bad so many others have to suffer by their mismanagement.

Her partner is a 3rd generation Mexican American. They are talking about selling their home and moving back to NY. This woman is not an illegal, but she fears being harassed because of this law.

Think it is just illegals fleeing?

made no mention of the closed businesses belonging to illegal immigrants. May be wrong, but the impression I gained was that those leaving were legal.

It's difficult to think of illegals able to get the necessary permits and licenses without producing a driver's license (unavailable to undocumented persons) or going thru the SocSec quickcheck.

Many of the businesses in that area have been there for years, some for over a decade.

between economic effects and the effects of the law.

Oh, wait, we ARE in a mini-depression.

Anyone attributing this phenomenon uniquely to the immigration law alone is an idiot.

Small-business owners that cater to the relatively large Hispanic population saw an immediate drop since the passing of the law. Many of the business owners are saying this and this has been reported on for weeks. People here-already tired of being harassed are leaving in droves--knowing this law will lead to much more of it.

I have talked to several businesses and then all tell me they are seeing decrease sales because of this crazy law. Even the Circle K down the street from me told me they have noticed a large drop since SB1070 passed.

I can't remember it for the life of me.

Hazelville I think

you can follow along and know what is going to happen. They have a website http://9500liberty.com as well.

So, if I can figure out the place name, I can go find the doc their site because they put most everything up.

AP
updated 3/12/2007 6:49:19 PM ET

SCRANTON, Pa. — Leaders of a Pennsylvania town that cracked down on illegal immigrants went to court Monday to defend their controversial practices at the start of a trial to explore whether local governments may act on their own to curb illegal immigration.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17576996/

Here's wiki (with about 5 grafs on this issue):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazleton,_Pennsylvania#Sanctions_against_illegal_immigrants

It'll turn up. What I particularly remember is the December after, the holiday season was flat for the retailers.

I found a lot of interesting stuff, without getting near finding the documentary. I'll do soe more exploring, but you and I already know what's going on here.

Thanks for all your valuable contributions to this discussion. Having someone who makes intelligent, well-reasoned arguments is a decided advantage in countering the RW BS. :thumbsup:

:hi:

neigborhoods were doing quite well. People in those neighborhoods tend not to drive and there are precious few chain stores; instead, the economy is concentrated and businesses tend to thrive.

Think you are VERY wrong on this one, but dream on if it makes you feel better.

It's the economy stupid.

This law is hurting business big time. It isn't just the bad economy it is the crap SB1070 has caused. I suggest you study more about this issue. I don't think you are very informed about this issue at all.

Got it!

I live in Arizona, anytime you want to take me on about it feel free. I am sure I am far more informed about it than you, but come on anyway, it will be a good education for you.

actually seen the economy in a thriving Hispanic neighborhood discuss this. They have no idea that local businesses are doing better than the chains.

Didn't Saturday call someone stupid and where is he/she now? Saturday, come back and defend your statement or look like what you called someone else.

the same conclusion in my neighborhood. nt

cutting off noses...

and an end to Arizona's other racist policies (like its attacks on ethnic studies) too.

when I spent a year in Phx for work.

it is looking more and more like a ghost town.

Damn--that was a great place to get food. My SO still works in the area and has to drive to get decent food now, before he could just walk.

What they are reporting is for real. It's happening very quickly and it won't be long before Arizona realizes the many contributions the Hispanic (citizens,RAs, and others) have made to this state.

But what we will really miss is their tax dollars--and sadly we deserve this fate. I'm ashamed of my state, I really, truly am.

Go somewhere cooler.

Hell, even Rio is cooler. You can even stay at my place for a while.

I've been hearing all along how SB 1070 isn't racist, and yet all these people are leaving the state! Don't they know "not racist" when they see it? Why don't they just listen to the people who know what they need? They're just dumb, that's all! Well, good riddance to them, if they're going to be so dumb; that'll leave Arizona to the smart people. Arizona is s-m-r-t!

:kick:

When I headed west on the I-10 in May '85 a smile crossed my face just before the Palo Verde power plant. I looked into the rear view mirror and realized that would be the last time in my life that Phx would be my home.

I had no money, but a job in CA, so any liberal in Phx, head West, North, East, or South, but get the hell out. It sucked 25 years ago and it will suck 25 years from now.

I am sure they will find success elsewhere in the US - I wish them the best.

I'd love to see this reported on the morning news, but I doubt I ever will.


mark

who have turned out to be among the most productive members of our society...now Arizona is intentionally losing BUSINESS OWNERS because they are Latinos...
Arizona republicans, you deserve what you get...I hope you start reaping what you sow sometime soon.


mark

added: I am living near reading, PA - we have a very large Hispanic community and there are MANY Hispanic owned businesses in the city, some great Puerto Rican and Mexican restaurants, too...The Hispanic population here is traditionally hard working and community oriented. Hispanica sre now involved in local government and administration as well as the police.

I hope that when the bottom falls out for the White People's Republic of Arizona they don't start whining for Federal money...


mark