PHOENIX — Hundreds of people supporting Arizonas new law cracking down on illegal immigration gathered near the state Capitol on Saturday as soaring temperatures were expected to hit 107 degrees. The Pennsylvania-based group Voice of the People USA organized the demonstration, which it touts as a grass-roots effort. Attendees came from every region of the U.S., Voice of the People President Daniel Smeriglio said. The rally turnout fell far short of the march organized by opponents of the law last weekend, when an estimated 20,000 people gathered.The immigration law requires that police conducting traffic stops or questioning people about possible legal violations ask them about their immigration status if there is “reasonable suspicion” that theyre in the country illegally. Reasonable suspicion is not defined. The law also makes it a state crime to be in the country illegally or to impede traffic while hiring day laborers, regardless of the workers immigration status. It would become a crime for illegal immigrants to solicit work. The law takes effect July 29 unless blocked by a court as requested under pending legal challenges. Hundreds of motorcycle riders kicked off the rally by riding in a procession around the Capitol.The rally at a park in downtown Phoenix follows dueling events last weekend that drew thousands of opponents and supporters of the law to the area.
