NEW YORK - A watchdog group says anti-immigrant sentiment is fueling nationwide increases in the number of hate groups and hate crimes targeting Latinos.
The Southern Poverty Law Center, in a report titled ``The Year in Hate,'' says it counted 888 hate groups in its latest tally, up from 844 in 2006 and 602 in 2000.
One of the groups newly added to the list says it's the victim of a smear campaign. The Federation for American Immigration Reform, or FAIR, says the law center is trying to stop the debate, not the hate.
The law center's report contends there is a link between anti-immigrant activism and a significant rise in hate crimes against Latinos in recent years.
On the Net:
Southern Poverty Law Center: http://www.splcenter.org/
FAIR: http://www.fairus.org/
Sunday
September 22nd, 2024
8:28AM
