By Jordan Heller
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — New York City Council Members, state legislators and a number of immigration and civil rights advocates gathered in front of City Hall Thursday to denounce a new Arizona law requiring police to check the immigration status of people they suspect of being in the country illegally.
The group, headed by Council Speaker Christine Quinn, also announced the passing of a City Council resolution which calls for Congress and the president to supersede the Arizona law with a comprehensive immigration reform bill.
"[The Arizona law] strips away the core of what America stands for and promotes intolerance," said Council Speaker Quinn.
"My colleagues and I call on President Obama and Congress to enact a comprehensive and humane immigration reform bill that is inclusive of all families."
City Comptroller John Liu, a representative from Rev. Al Sharpton's office and New York State Sen. Jose Peralta were also present to protest the bill.
"As a Dominican American who represents one of the most diverse communities in this country, I find Arizona’s SB1070 anti-immigrant, anti-American and unconstitutional," said Peralta.
"This bill does not address comprehensive immigration reform; instead it will restrict civil rights and further marginalize immigrant communities. We cannot allow any governing body in this country to legalize profiling based on race, gender or religion."
