Pressure continues to mount in California against Arizona over immigration law (2)

Meanwhile, San Francisco supervisors introduced a similar resolution, and Mayor Gavin Newsom imposed an immediate moratorium on city-related travel to Arizona, with limited exceptions. Newsom also announced the convening of a group to analyze how a boycott would affect city contracts and purchasing.

Already, several organizations have canceled planned conventions in Arizona. The American Immigration Lawyers Association announced that it is moving its fall convention, originally scheduled for Scottsdale in September.

"We just felt that given this new law signed by the governor that it would not be right for our association to meet and convene there and take on the issues of immigration in a state that passed such a misguided bill," said George Tzamaras, spokesman for the group.

Arizona was already reeling from a decline in tourism because of the recession, and the fallout from the law has taken hotel owners by surprise, said Debbie Johnson, president of the Arizona Hotel and Lodging Association.

"Obviously our members are concerned," Johnson said in remarks published by the paper. "I thought there would be political issues. It has become so tourism-focused and that, to me, is the unfortunate side."

The law also caused repercussion across the nation. The White House is considering a legal challenge.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday that she had "deep concerns" with the law and said it could siphon resources needed to target criminals.

U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder said he was considering "the possibility of a court challenge."

Source:Xinhua
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