Arizona Firestorm
Global Immigration Realities, National Media, and Provincial Politics
Edited by Otto Santa Ana, Celeste González de Bustamante
Publication date:
07 June 2012Length of book:
322 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9781442214156
In 2010, the governor of Arizona signed a controversial immigration bill (SB 1070) that led to a news media frenzy, copycat bills in twenty-two states, and a U.S. Supreme Court battle that put Arizona at the cross-hairs of the immigration debate. Arizona Firestorm brings together well-respected experts from across the political spectrum to examine and contextualize the political, economic, historical, and legal issues prompted by this and other anti-Latino and anti-immigrant legislation and state actions. It also addresses the news media’s role in shaping immigration discourse in Arizona and around the globe. Arizona is a case study of the roots and impact of the 21st century immigration challenge. Arizona Firestorm will be of interest to scholars and students in communication, public policy, state politics, federalism, and anyone interested in immigration policy or Latino politics.
A book on the recent legislative measures in Arizona may seem parochial, but in fact, this timely anthology is essential reading for understanding the national and global politics of labor migration. Working through the intricacies of Latin American immigration to Arizona, the authors illuminate the hyperlocal effects of globalization. They argue compellingly that the media and the racialization of immigrants have contributed to the polarization of immigration debates.