Jul. 28, 2010

Immigration Mediation

Days before Arizona's tough new immigration law is set to take effect, two of the state's legislators, Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Simena and Republican Rep. John Kavanagh, sat down with noted mediator Lee Jay Berman to explore ways to resolve the diverse issues surrounding illegal immigration. The bill, aimed at identifying, prosecuting and deporting illegal immigrants, would allow Arizona police officers to ask anyone about their legal status when stopped for even minor violations. The state's action has prompted lawsuits by civil rights groups, the federal government and individuals. Berman, president of American Institute of Mediation, moderated the discussion Friday before an audience of ADR professionals at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.