SPLC Exploits Murder of 9 Year Old to Advance Attacks on Federation for American Immigration Reform

Fabricates Story to Advance Political Agenda

June 16, 2009

(Washington, D.C.) The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has launched its most irresponsible attack to date against the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The SPLC claims that Shawna Forde, the alleged killer of a little girl and her father during an Arizona home invasion, had ties to FAIR. Although no association exists – or ever has – between Ms. Forde and FAIR, the SPLC and organizations advocating mass amnesty and open borders have used this tragedy to fuel their on-going smear campaign against FAIR and other immigration policy organizations in order to suppress free and open debate about immigration policy in the United States.

Press Release FAIR

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), an organization with a 30-year record of responsible advocacy for enforcement of immigration laws and overall reductions in immigration, categorically repudiates all acts of violence. FAIR draws a clear distinction between immigration policy and immigrants, who must always be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their immigration status.

FAIR has no association with Shawna Forde. “Ms. Forde is not and never was an employee, member, activist, or donor of FAIR and most certainly has never been authorized to speak on behalf of our organization,” stated Dan Stein, president of FAIR. “Ms. Forde misrepresented herself as a spokesperson for FAIR in a 2006 appearance on KYVE-TV in Yakima, Washington, and the producers of the program were remiss in failing to authenticate her false claims.”

Despite having spoken with the television station and learning that it was high unlikely Ms. Forde was associated with FAIR, the SPLC nonetheless disseminated information suggesting such a relationship existed. This latest attack represents an extreme and dangerous example of the vicious tactics of the SPLC – recklessly attempting to smear groups with whom they disagree, total disregard for the facts and the reputations of those involved and in this case, the disgraceful attempt to exploit the murder of a 9-year-old for self-serving purposes.

“What is truly disappointing about this smear campaign is that the American people lose. Immigration is a critical public policy issue that must be debated freely and openly,” continued Stein. “If these open borders organizations were truly concerned about good public policy, they would spend their time discussing issues and solutions. Instead, those who seek to exploit the deeds of a few extremists for their own political gain do so at the expense of the vast majority of Americans who believe that laws against illegal immigration must be enforced.”

About FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country’s largest immigration reform group. With over 250,000 members nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Contact Ira Mehlman at 206-420-7733 or Bob Dane at 202-328-7004.

Dustin Carnevale

Communications Assistant

Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)

http://www.fairus.org

Phone: (202)-328-7004

Fax: (202)-387-3447

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