WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., said Tuesday that he opposes state Senate Bill 1070 and urged Gov. Brewer to veto the bill as it will have a chilling effect on the state and will attempt to legalize the violation of basic civil rights.

"Arizona is better than this. Our nation is better than this," Pastor said. "Passage of this bill will severely set back all the civil rights we have fought for in this country. It's embarrassing to continue to see our state legislature churn out these hate-filled measures that offer no real solutions and violate our civil rights. This bill would allow racial profiling, increase the anti-immigrant, hate-filled rhetoric that is damaging our country and no doubt increase the number of hate crimes in Arizona.

"The law creates an environment that does not welcome people of color to our state and creates a hostile environment for future economic investments.

"I urge Gov. Brewer to veto this bill and work with the legislature to support sensible solutions that offer true comprehensive immigration reform," Pastor concluded.

-30-