Tyson Foods, Arkansas groups form lobby to oppose state and local laws targeting immigrants

Churches, civic groups and businesses in Arkansas, including Tyson Foods, have formed the Arkansas Friendship Coalition to lobby on behalf of immigrants in the state, reports Meatingplace.com, a news service for the meat industry. The group opposes local and state laws aimed at curtailing immigration, saying it is a federal issue, Tom Johnston writes.

In a statement on its Web site, the group says it hopes to "encourage a reasonable and respectful approach to the immigration debate in Arkansas." That statement also cites the Urban Institute report "A Profile of Immigrants in Arkansas, April 2007," which said that immigrants added $3 billion to the Arkansas economy in 2004.

The AFC said it "will be speaking to elected officials on behalf of immigrants; offering a speaker’s bureau; and, engaging in public advocacy." (Read more)