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Special Immigration Coverage

Protester Wears "Somos America" Button (Photo Credit: Marcos Najera)

Recently, KJZZ offered special news coverage discussing how immigrant groups hoped to pull off one of the biggest protests in decades. Boycotts and rallies were scheduled in support of, and against, immigrant rights both in Phoenix, and across the nation. Listen to archived immigration reports from the KJZZ newsroom below. You can also listen to additional reports from NPR and from stations across all of Public Broadcasting (as they become available) by clicking on the tabs above.

February 11, 2008

Legislative Session Creeping Along
State lawmakers have been in session for about a month. What's happened so far? KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie break it down.

February 04, 2008

New Kid on the Voting Block
The candidates for American President are paying closer attention to a new type of constituent this year: the immigrant voter. According to government estimates, a record-setting 1.4 million legal immigrants applied to become U.S. citizens in 2007. On Super Tuesday, several of them will head straight to the ballet box. KJZZ's Marcos Najera reports.

January 18, 2008

Phoenix Mayor Suffers Backlash from AZ Latinos
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon recently angered many in the Latino Community over his views regarding what local police should be allowed to do when dealing with illegal immigrants. KJZZ's James Garcia has a report on how the mayor's once shining reputation among his Latino constituents has been tarnished, and the steps some say he needs to take to regain their trust.

January 14, 2008

Day 1 at the Capitol
State lawmakers officially go back to work today, as the governor gives her annual State of the State address. But as KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie discuss, some of them have already started.

January 12, 2008

Lawmakers 'Budgeting' their Time
It's that time of year again....when state lawmakers head back to the capitol for their regular session. KJZZ's Mark Brodie looks at what to expect.

January 09, 2008

Here and Now- McCain, Legislature
KJZZ's Here and Now featured pollster and analyst Mike O'Neil and East Valley Tribune editorial writer Le Templar discussing the ramifications of Arizona Senator John McCain winning the New Hampshire Republican presidential primary. The show also previewed the upcoming legislative session with analysis from Templar, KJZZ capitol reporter Mark Brodie, Arizona Capitol Times reporter Jim Small and KJZZ's Here and Now also featured interviews with legislative leaders about the work ahead this legislative session.

January 03, 2008

Nowakowski Sworn In
Michael Nowakowski was sworn in Wednesday as the first Latino elected to the Phoenix City Council in 14 years.

January 03, 2008

Gordon Comments on Immigration
Mayor Phil Gordon used his second inaugural address as to comment on the federal government's need to address immigration.

December 26, 2007

Employer Sanctions Law to Take Effect
Arizona's employer sanctions law goes into effect soon. It clamps down on businesses who employ undocumented workers. KJZZ's Rene Gutel reports on the climate in Arizona in the weeks leading up to the first of the year... and talks to those who will be affected by the legislation.

December 19, 2007

Here and Now: Governor Napolitano
Governor Janet Napolitano discussed Arizona's employer sanctions law and her criteria for solving the state's budget mess with Here and Now host Steve Goldstein. The governor also responded to a number of listener questions on issues including auto registration, transportation, and recycling.

December 05, 2007

Here and Now: Illegal Immigration
Phoenix mayor Phil Gordon joined Here and Now host Steve Goldstein and studio guests Mark Spencer and Roberto Reveles to discuss his decision to draft a policy allowing police to enforce immigration law. Attorney David Selden later joined Roberto Reveles to discuss the implementation of Arizona's employer sanctions law which begins January 1. Arizona Capitol Times reporter Jim Small also discussed the status of a lawsuit filed against the new law.

November 17, 2007

Here and Now: Governor Napolitano
Governor Napolitano discussed reducing green house gases, immigration and border issues, the state's budget deficit and a variety of other issues brought up by listeners.

November 11, 2007

Latino Politics, Beyond Immigration
Many Latino political leaders say it's a struggle to promote the community's wider political and social agenda in the face of so much focus on the contentious debate over immigration.

October 31, 2007

Tallying the Death Toll
Geronimo Garcia's job at the Mexican Consulate's office in Tucson is to help identify the bodies of immigrants who die along the U.S.-Mexico border, and then help arrange their final journey home.

October 10, 2007

Here and Now: Employer Sanctions
Arizona's employer sanctions law hasn't taken effect yet, but it's already having an impact on businesses, employees and undocumented workers. Here and Now host Steve Goldstein talked to a number of people to get their analysis about what's going on. Besides Glen Hamer of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Mexican Consul General Carlos Flores Vizcarra, Goldstein spoke with Jim Weiers, speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives about improving the law and Tom Donahue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce about the need for a federal solution to illegal immigration.

September 26, 2007

Here and Now: Governor Napolitano
Governor Janet Napolitano discussed her solution to Arizona's pending budget shortfall with Here and Now host Steve Goldstein. The Governor also talked about her goals for an upcoming meeting with fellow border governors and answered listener questions ranging from immigration to water conservation.

August 22, 2007

Here and Now: Governor Napolitano
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano discussed concerns over the state's pending employer sanctions law with Here and Now host Steve Goldstein. The Governor also addressed criticism of Child Protective Services. Listen to Here and Now by clicking on 'More Info.'

August 11, 2007

Border Health Studied
A border health project is exposing post graduate students to the unique medical needs and expectations of people who live along both sides of the U.S.-Mexico Border.

August 09, 2007

Border Bard
The U.S. Mexico Border is an area ripe with drama, but it's not usually scripted. And it's certainly not where you'd expect to watch summertime Shakespeare. But the Cornerstone Theatre Company from Los Angeles brought the Bard to a tiny border town near Yuma at the crossroads of Arizona, Mexico and California. KJZZ's Marcos Najera reports.

August 05, 2007

Hunger Strike, Day 7
A group of seven students enters the final day of a hunger strike to draw attention to the Dream Act, a federal law that would allow undocumented immigrants who graduate from high school to remain in the United States.

July 30, 2007

Business Community Divided Over Sanctions Law
The issue of illegal immigration has caused a few disagreements among politicians. Now, the business community is following suit. KJZZ's Mark Brodie has the story.

July 30, 2007

Student Hunger Strike
A group of college students in the Valley have launched a 7-day hunger strike to draw attention to a proposed federal law called the Dream Act. The bill would allow undocumented immigrants who graduate high school to remain in the U.S. if they attend college or join the military for two years.

July 25, 2007

Here and Now: Police & Immigration
Here and Now tackles the growing trend of local police enforcing federal immigration law. First, the program looks back at the lessons learned from the 'Chandler Roundup.' Ten years ago. Chandler police were sued after an immigration sweep resulted in the stopping of anyone who looked 'Mexican.' Here and Now also looks at concerns surrounding a new 'Illegal Immigrant Hotline" and the growing trend of police seeking training to enforce federal immigration law.

July 24, 2007

The Impact of the 'Roundup'
In the second of our three-part series on the Chandler Round-up, KJZZ's James Garcia looks at the impact the "Chandler Roundup" had on the communities latino population.

July 23, 2007

Chandler Roundup: What Went Wrong
Ten years ago, Chandler police and Border Patrol agents arrested and deported hundreds of Latinos in the South-Valley city. Many of the arrests were made without probable cause. KJZZ's Paul Atkinson brings the first of a three part series looking at the Chandler Round-up.

July 17, 2007

New Group Supports Challenge to Employer Sanctions Law
A group of Arizona business leaders has launched an effort opposing the state's new employer sanctions law. The Wake Up Arizona! coalition wants to let people know about the law's unintended consequences, and supports a lawsuit filed last week challenging the law's constitutionality. KJZZ's Mark Brodie reports.

July 12, 2007

Here and Now: Governor Napolitano
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano discusses why she signed an employer sanctions law that cracks down on businesses that hire undocumented workers. Napolitano also tells Here and Now host Steve Goldstein about what still needs to be fixed before the law takes effect in January. The governor discusses teacher and state employee salary increases and growth issues.

June 25, 2007

The Economics of the Border
KJZZ's Dennis Lambert speaks with Arizona State University research economist Dawn McLaren about her studies of the U.S./Mexico border, human smuggling and employer sanctions.

June 23, 2007

Long Session, Short Answers
State lawmakers spent a lot of time over the past 6 months debating issues and voting on bills. We wanted to know what they thought of their recently-ended session...KJZZ's Mark Brodie has their quick answers.

June 22, 2007

State Lawmakers Reflect on 164 Day Session
State lawmakers have wrapped up their session, after passing a flurry of bills in its last hours late Wednesday night. KJZZ's Mark Brodie reports on what they say was the good, the bad and the ugly during the 164 day session.

June 21, 2007

State Legislature Ends Session
State lawmakers wrapped up their session late Wednesday night. But, as K-J-Z-Z's Mark Brodie reports, they left a number of major issues until the end.

June 18, 2007

State Lawmakers Going Home Soon?
The legislature is scheduled to start voting on a new state budget today, and adjournment could soon follow. KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie talk about goings on at the capitol.

June 13, 2007

Rescuing Immigration Reform
Many have watched in dismay as immigration reform was stopped in its tracks in Washington D.C. One business group says it's time to stop the rhetoric and get down to business. Listen to Paul Atkinson's report.

June 13, 2007

Here and Now: Immigration Reform Update
Here and Now examines the prospect for immigration reform given the criticism it has come under from all sides. Bob Robb of the Arizona Republic and Jonathan Weisman of the Washington Post provide on update on the latest news concerning reform. Arizona Republican Party chair Randy Pullen discussed state GOP opposition to reform. Political consultant Jake Logan joined Robb to talk about the role politics is playing in the debate over immigration reform.

June 09, 2007

Mr. Mitchell Goes to Washington, IV
Freshman Congressman Harry Mitchell stopped by during the Memorial Day recess, before heading back to DC. He talked about life under the dome, meeting his colleagues, and having to temporarily give up his cell phone.

June 07, 2007

Political Spot Asks, "Where's the Fence?"
Remember the "Where's the Beef?" ad from 1984? This week, as the US Senate is about to vote on an immigration bill, a new ad is circulating. This one asks the question "Where's the border fence?" The spots were filmed in Arizona by a conservative group opposed to immigration reform under debate in Congress.

June 04, 2007

State Lawmakers Nearing Deals?
State lawmakers hope to be winding down their session, but they still have to deal with at least two major issues. KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie talk about what they are, and what could happen with them.

May 26, 2007

¿Cannes you border cross?
The 60th Annual Cannes Film Festival invites two local Latino filmmakers to screen their Spanish-language short film about three immigrants crossing the dangerous Sonoran Desert. KJZZ's Marcos Najera reports.

May 23, 2007

Here and Now: Governor Napolitano
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano talks with Here and Now host Steve Goldstein about federal immigration reform, legislative issues, education and transportation issues.

May 21, 2007

Compromises in the immigration debate
White House and U.S. Senate negotiators have crafted an immigration reform bill which creates a guest worker program; expands border security; and opens a path to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants now in the U.S. KJZZ's James Garcia reports.

May 17, 2007

Arizona's role in immigration reform
As a Monday Senate deadline approaches, negotiations over immigration reform continue...and Arizona legislators are playing key roles. KJZZ's Steve Goldstein reports.

May 16, 2007

Here and Now: Immigration Reform
Here and Now host Steve Goldstein discusses the latest information on federal immigration reform with NPR's Brian Naylor and Orange County Register Bureau Chief Dena Bunis. Evelyn Cruz, director of the Immigration Law and Policy Clinic at ASU provides insight on the current immigration system and a reform bill co-sponsored by Arizona congressman Jeff Flake. East Valley Tribune reporter Dennis Welch talks about immigration related measures at the state capitol.

May 03, 2007

Here and Now: Smoking Ban, Legislature
KJZZ's Here and Now looks at the start of Arizona's statewide smoking ban and answers questions consumers and business owners might have. Capitol reporters Mark Brodie and Dennis Welch join host Steve Goldstein to talk about the latest state budget proposals and the status of bills affecting illegal immigration, transportation and air quality.

May 01, 2007

Activists March for Immigrant Rights
Thousands of immigrant rights advocates are expected to take to the streets again to rally. Organizers say they hope to continue to pressure US Congress to change immigration laws.

May 01, 2007

Patrolling the US-Canada Line
The Minutemen Civil Defense Corps wraps up a monthlong patrol along both US borders. In Arizona, we often hear about activity along the US - Mexico line. KJZZ's Marcos Najera reports from New York, on the Minutemen keeping watch near Canada.

April 30, 2007

Immigration March Preview
The planned May 1st immigration march may negatively impact local efforts to advance the cause. Listen to James Garcia's report.

April 24, 2007

Here and Now: Governor Napolitano
Governor Janet Napolitano talks about school safety, immigration, transportation, education, and other issues with Here and Now host Steve Goldstein.

April 11, 2007

Here and Now: Prop 100, 300, Copper Theft
Here and Now takes a closer look at the problems implementing Proposition 100, which denies bail for illegal immigrants arrested for serious felonies. The Arizona Board of Regents and Maricopa Community College District recently came up with guidelines to ensure that Proposition 300 is implemented. Prop 300 requires undocumented students pay out-of-state tuition and not be eligible to receive state financial aid. Here and Now examines how that's working. Plus, a bill to prevent the theft and recycling of copper from homes, business and construction sites is going forward in the legislature. Here and Now looks at what can be done to reduce the theft of copper materials.

April 09, 2007

Immigration Policy Disagreement
Two outspoken Arizona lawmakers disagree on what the state role should be in the immigration debate.

March 19, 2007

Lawmakers To Take up Water, Immigration This Week
The Arizona Legislature has been debating illegal immigration for several weeks, and will continue to do so this week. KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie talk about the upcoming week at the capitol.

March 12, 2007

Immigration Again on Lawmakers' Minds
State lawmakers will likely be talking about immigration this week...again. KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie discuss the week ahead at the capitol.

February 12, 2007

Perspectives of Arizona from Mexico City
KJZZ's James Garcia speaks with Franc Contreras of Public Radio International's "The World" about Governor Napolitano's meetings with Mexican government officials.

February 10, 2007

Governor's Trip to Mexico Ends
Governor Janet Napolitano has wrapped up her trip to Mexico. KJZZ's James Garcia tells KJZZ's Mark Brodie about the talks the governor had with Mexican officials.

January 31, 2007

Here and Now: Illegal Immigration
Illegal Immigration on Here and Now Migrants Attempt To Illegally Cross U.S.-Mexico Border (Photo Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images) This week on Here and Now, we meet Alonzo Pena, the new head of the state's Immigration and Customs Enforcement department. Host Steve Goldstein and Mr. Pena will discuss homeland security, along with the improved relationship between the Governor, Sherrif Arpaio, and his department.

January 22, 2007

GOP, Dems Outline Priorities
Legislative Republican leaders laid out their plan for the session last week. KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie talk about what they are, and how they compare with the governor's priorities.

December 22, 2006

Swindoe Da Roadrunna'
One Tucson hip hop artist is trying his hand at putting the issues of Arizona and the Southwest, namely immigration, to song. KJZZ's Tony Ganzer takes a look at Swindoe, and immigration in hip hop.

December 11, 2006

Human Smuggling Case Examined
James Garcia takes in-depth look at a human smuggling case in Phoenix.

October 28, 2006

Candidates Slam Each Other on Illegal Immigration, Ethics
The race for Arizona's 5th Congressional District pits 2 veteran lawmakers; one incumbent and one challenger. And, recent public opinion polls suggest the election will be close. KJZZ's Mark Brodie reports.

October 24, 2006

When You Think CD8, Think Immigration
Southeastern Arizona's eighth congressional district has a vast land area, but the spotlight seems to rest firmly on the border. KJZZ's Rene Gutel reports.

October 04, 2006

President Signs Border Fence Bill in Arizona
President Bush has signed a bill that pays for hundreds of miles of fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border. It was part of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which also includes funding for more border agents.

September 29, 2006

Latest Immigration Proposals
KJZZ's James Garcia takes a look at the opposing sides in the ever-present immigration debate.

September 27, 2006

Here and Now: Immigration Reform
Here and Now host Steve Goldstein discusses illegal immigration and the prospects for comprehensive reform in Washington, border security, or whether lawmakers will debate a guest worker program. Arizona's general election ballot has four immigration-related initiatives to vote on. We'll discuss them all.

September 16, 2006

Migrants, Minutemen Share Their View of the Border
What happens when you give migrants and minutemen disposable cameras, ask them to take pictures of their experiences at the border? A new exhibit at SMoCA has the answer. KJZZ's Mark Brodie reports.

September 11, 2006

In Case of Emergency call 911
A recent ruling dismissed smuggling charges against two humanitarian aid workers. But future workers may not be given the same opportunity...and will now call 911, instead of helping. KJZZ's James Garcia reports.

September 05, 2006

Immigration Rally's Goals Remain Unchanged
A Labor Day rally in Phoenix drew hundreds of people from both sides of the immigrants' rights issue. However organizers insist their goals have not changed.

September 04, 2006

Immigrant Rally at Capitol
A Labor Day rally in Phoenix drew hundreds of people marching in favor of immigrants' rights. The turnout was far smaller than the massive crowds that gathered for a similar event back in April, and this time there was a lot more opposition.

July 04, 2006

A Rush to Citizenship
About 350 Phoenix residents became citizens American citizens this Fourth of July, in a ceremony to be held this afternoon at South Mountain Community College. Many immigrants live in the United States legally for a long time without becoming citizens, but with the debate over immigration reform stagnating in Washington, the uncertainty is leading more legal permanent residents to apply for citizenship. KJZZ's Rene Gutel reports.

July 01, 2006

New Fiscal Year Means New Budget Priorities
The start of the new fiscal year doesn't have the same ring as, say, New Year's Day. But even without the parties and resolutions, KJZZ's Mark Brodie and one Valley economist release the ballons on the new state budget.

June 24, 2006

State Lawmakers Reflect on 164 Day Session
The state legislature adjourned sine die this week. KJZZ's Mark Brodie asked several lawmakers to (briefly) describe their 164 day session.

June 22, 2006

Lawmakers Call It Quits
After 164 days in session, state lawmakers adjourned their session early Thursday morning. KJZZ's Mark Brodie takes a look back at some of the session's highlights, and big fights.

June 12, 2006

Utah National Guard Extends Fence in San Luis, AZ
Border states are preparing for the arrival of thousands of National Guard Troops. They're coming as part of Operation Jumpstart, the President’s plan to put troops along the US-Mexico line as a support to the Border Patrol. There have been National Guard Troops stationed along the border for years. KJZZ's Rene Gutel spent a day with one of those units, 55 soldiers from Utah, who are improving roads and extending a security fence south of Yuma.

June 12, 2006

Session Slows Down as Budget Battles Continue
There's a lot of idle time at the state capitol these days for rank-and-file lawmakers, as leadership continues to work on a new state spending plan. KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie talk about what's going on (or not) in the legislature.

June 07, 2006

Governor Napolitano on Here and Now
In this hour of Here and Now, Governor Napolitano was in the studio for an hour of conversation where we discussed the state budget, immigration reform, gas prices and a host of other subjects.

June 05, 2006

Is The End (of the legislative session) Near?
State lawmakers now have 2 budget proposals to consider, but have to consolidate them into one. Also, the feds step up and send National Guard troops to the border. KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie talk about the goings on at the capitol.

May 30, 2006

Debating Immigration Reform in TV Ads
KJZZ's Steve Goldstein reports on what impact immigration-related television ads could have on Arizona's U.S. Senate race.

May 28, 2006

State Legislature Tackles Immigration, Budget
KJZZ's Rene Gutel speaks with Arizona Capitol Times staff writer Phil Riske who offers a look into the coming week at the state legislature.

May 22, 2006

Lawmakers, Governor Continue Talks on Budget, Immigration
Legislative leaders and Governor Napolitano are continuing to negotiate a new state budget, as well as a comprehensive immigration reform package. KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie discuss what they're talking about, and how those meetings are going.

May 17, 2006

Governor Napolitano on Here and Now
In this hour of Here and Now, Governor Napolitano was in studio for an hour of conversation. We discussed the state budget, immigration reform (including President Bush's Monday speech on the subject), gas prices and a host of other subjects.

May 15, 2006

Doing the Numbers on GOP Budget Proposal
The Republican-led legislature has released it's budget proposal. Now, lawmakers and the governor have to come to an agreement on it. KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie talk about what's in the spending plan, and its prospects for being passed.

May 08, 2006

State Budget, Immigration Package To Be Linked
Lawmakers could deal with 2 of the major issues remaining in this legislative session this week. They'll likely be debated, at least in part, together. KJZZ's Mark Brodie reports.

May 01, 2006

Hundreds Demonstrate in May Day Rallies
A boycott by mostly Hispanic immigrants and their supporters in Phoenix Monday was much smaller than last month's massive march on the state capitol that drew at least 100,000 people. KJZZ's Rene Gutel reports.

May 01, 2006

State Lawmakers to Take up New Immigration Reform Bill, Activists to Take to the Streets
Illegal immigration will again be front and center this week, both at the state capitol, and on the streets. Republican leaders in the legislature plan on introducing a sweeping immigration reform proposal in the next few days….and activists are encouraging an economic boycott today. K-J-Z-Z’s Mark Brodie reports.

April 11, 2006

Interview with Senator Jon Kyl
Terry Ward talked with Senator Jon Kyl about the recent immigration rally and the prospects for immigration reform at the federal level.

April 11, 2006

100,000 in Phoenix Immigration March
Tens of thousands of immigrants and immigrant rights advocates rallied in downtown Phoenix Monday as part of a National Day of Action for immigration reform. Similar protests were held across the country, from Los Angeles to Washington D-C. KJZZ's Rene Gutel reports on the Phoenix rally and march.

April 10, 2006

State Lawmakers Prepare for Immigration March, Rally
Monday's march and rally protesting federal immigration reform proposals will end across the street from the state capitol. KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie talk about how that'll affect the legislature.

March 29, 2006

Students Rally at Capitol for Immigrant Rights
There was another day of protests at the state capitol Tuesday, where as many as a thousand students rallied for immigrant rights. This on the heels of Friday's massive demonstration in downtown Phoenix, and similar protests around the country. KJZZ's Rene Gutel reports.

March 27, 2006

Immigration Issues Continue to be Front and Center at the Capitol
Continued turnover in the state legislature isn't having too much of an effect on the issues lawmakers are debating. KJZZ's Dennis Lambert and Mark Brodie talk about the week ahead at the capitol.