Anti-Immigration Activists Gather in Washington With Message Demonizing and Scapegoating Immigrants

Anti-Immigration Activists Gather in Washington With Message Demonizing and Scapegoating Immigrants

    Who: Anti-Immigration Activists   What: "Hold Their Feet to the Fire"   When: September 8-11, 2008   Where: Washington, D.C.   

In an all-out effort to scuttle comprehensive immigration reform efforts during a pivotal election year, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is convening anti-immigrant activists and supporters, including dozens of radio talk-show hosts from across the country, September 8-11 in Washington, D.C. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) says the gathering is likely to be characterized by stereotypical and prejudiced views of immigrants and an arsenal of arguments against immigration tinged with appeals to hatred and bigotry.

"Hold Their Feet to the Fire" participants will lobby members of Congress while dozens of radio commentators, led by Lou Dobbs of United Stations Radio Network and CNN and Roger Hedgecock of KOGO AM in San Diego, broadcast live from a "Radio Row" -- in essence providing an open mic for immigration opponents and their supporters.

ADL has documented how FAIR is more nuanced in its use of language than other anti-immigrant groups and has been used as a resource by officials, the media and within anti-immigration policy circles. However, a closer look reveals a pattern of extremist affiliations and a strategy of founding and empowering smaller groups that promote xenophobia.

EDITOR'S NOTE: ADL's up-to-date backgrounder on FAIR (http://www.adl.org/civil_rights/anti_immigrant/fair.asp) and information about other anti-immigrant activists are available in the League's online report, "Immigrants Targeted: Extremist Rhetoric Moves into the Mainstream" (http://www.adl.org/civil_rights/anti_immigrant/default.asp). For more information or to speak with an expert, contact ADL Media Relations at (212) 885-7749 or adlmedia@adl.org.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

CONTACT: Myrna Shinbaum +1-212-885-7747, or Todd Gutnick, +1-212-885-7755, adlmedia@adl.org, both of the Anti-Defamation League

/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- Sept. 8/

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Source: Anti-Defamation League

Web Site: http://www.adl.org/

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