8. Arizona Immigration Legislation Special
Obama calls for immigration overhaul, says Ariz. bill 'misguided'
The Washington Post reports that President Obama has urged Congress to overhaul the nation’s immigration system, saying that inaction on the issue has caused ‘misguided efforts’ and ‘irresponsibility of others” in their attempts to do so.
The President further detailed that an immigration bill on the Arizona Governor’s desk was ‘misguided’ and has told his staff to ‘closely monitor the situation’ to ensure that the measure does not violate peoples’ civil rights. The bill would require authorities in Arizona to question people about their immigration status if there is reason to suspect the person is in the country illegally.
Senator Harry Reid is also pushing for action on immigration, bringing the issue to the top of the Democratic agenda. He told Senators Graham and Schumer that if they cannot come to an agreement soon, the Democrats will bring the issue up without bipartisan support. Even if a Democratic immigration bill were to fail, the debate alone could rally Hispanic voters against the GOP, and put Republicans on the defensive.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/23/AR2010042301441.html?wprss=rss_politics%2Fcongress
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Ariz. governor signs tough immigration law
The Washington Times reports that on April 23rd Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed into law the bill SB 1070, making it a state crime to be an illegal immigrant. Hours earlier President Obama had called the pending legislation ‘misguided’ and instructed his staff to look into the constitutionality and legality of the proposed law. The law is set to go into effect 90 days after the signing and makes it a state crime to be in Arizona without proof of legal status. Additionally, it authorizes police to demand a person’s documents if the officer suspect them of being illegally present. Further, it makes it a state crime to transport or hide an illegal immigrant.
While supported by the state’s two Senators, a Democratic Congressman, Rep. Raul Grijalva, has voiced his opposition, and encouraged the rest of the country to boycott Arizona businesses until the legislation is overturned. The law looks certain to face legal and social challenges in the near future.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/apr/23/ariz-governor-signs-tough-immigration-law/
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Obama tells feds to check Arizona immigration bill
The Washington Times reports that on the same day that Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed an immigration bill into law, making it illegal to an illegal immigrant in the state, and illegal to transport or aid any illegal immigrants, President Obama has ordered his administration to examine the law and see if it violates civil rights. “Our failure to act responsibly at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others, and that includes, for example, the recent efforts in Arizona which threaten to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and our communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/apr/23/obama-tells-feds-check-arizona-immigration-bill/
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Court fight looms on new immigration law
The Arizona Republic reports that opponents of the newly-passed immigration enforcement bill plan to challenge the legislation as an unconstitutional intrusion on federal authority and a violation of civil rights. Critics say that the US Constitution mandates that the federal government alone has the responsibility to enact and enforce immigration laws.
Further concerns have been expressed over possible violations of the 4th amendment, guaranteeing freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the 14th amendment, which ensures equal protection under law. The President and General Counsel at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education fund, Thomas Saenz, said, “I expect multiple lawsuits in federal and possibly state courts.”
The timing of these lawsuits is not clear, but some experts predict some immediate challenges to the law, including the argument that federal authority is supreme on immigration, which could result in a judge blocking the law from ever taking effect.
An ACLU attorney confirmed that there are ‘a number of constitutional flaws’ that leave the bill subject to legal attack, including violation of the supremacy clause. The counter argument to this claim is that Arizona is simply taking action on something that Congress already deemed illegal, and thus is not infringing on federal authority or violating the supremacy clause.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2010/04/25/20100425immigration-bill-jan-brewer-arizona.html
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Immigration law protested by more than 2,500 at state Capitol
The Arizona Republic reports that around 2,500 protesters marched on the state Capitol in Phoenix in opposition to the newly-passed anti-immigrant legislation. The group marched 2.5 miles through downtown Phoenix, and marked the third consecutive day of peaceful protest. Protesters converged from California, Colorado, Texas, and elsewhere. Represented in high numbers were Korean-Americans, 20% of whom are undocumented and effected by immigration enforcement.
Since the law was signed by the Governor, protests have broken out as far away as Boston. Reverend Al Sharpton, speaking in New York, said that just as freedom riders fought segregation in the 1960s, he would organize ‘freedom walkers’ to walk the streets of Arizona, without identification, thus forcing arrest if asked for papers.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2010/04/25/20100425immigration-law-protest-arizona.html
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Both sides in immigration debate blame congressional inaction for Arizona law
The Washington Post reports that both sides in the immigration debate agree that Congressional inaction lead to the current situation. The inaction “created a vacuum” that either forced Arizona to take matters into their own hands, or lead to overzealous lawmakers usurping federal authority, depending which side you agree with.
“We in Arizona have been more than patient waiting for Washington to act,” Governor Brewer said. “But decades of federal inaction and misguided policy have created a dangerous and unacceptable situation.” President Obama, too, acknowledged past failure to effectively tackle the issue. Obama, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has begun pushing for comprehensive immigration overhaul, saying it is a top priority of the Democrats and the current administration.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/26/AR2010042600226.html
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Arizona agency seeks federal help on immigration law
USA Today reports that the Arizona agency that must train 15,000 law officers in the state to enforce the new, controversial law affecting illegal immigration has asked federal authorities for help. Administration officials say that it is unclear yet whether the government will help.
The Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (APOSTB) has claimed that federal assistance is ‘critical’ to the unprecedented effort necessary to prepare officers as soon as 3 months from now to enforce the new law, giving local authorities the right to identify and arrest illegal immigrants. President Obama has ordered a review of the bill’s civil rights implications. The results of that review ‘will inform the government’s actions.’
The head of the APOSTB has said he may have to develop a curriculum and train all 15,000 officers by August 1. Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, a member of the training board, has said “Ninety days to train officers may be asking the impossible.”
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-04-26-arizona-immigration_N.htm
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Bishop suggests joining immigration lawsuits
The Arizona Daily Star out of Tucson, reports that Tucson Roman Catholic Bishop Gerald Kicanas has announced that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops should consider joining other lawsuits opposing the new immigration enforcement law in Arizona. Kicanas said that he has asked the Conference to consider filing a ‘friend of the court’ brief that challenges the law’s constitutionality.
http://azstarnet.com/news/state-and-regional/article_8377aaa1-6c6e-5856-aa72-fd9751decbcb.html
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Lawmaker wants to bring Arizona immigration law to Utah
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that a conservative Utah lawmaker wants to bring an anti-immigration law to Utah similar to that in Arizona. Rep. Stephen Sandstorm is drafting a bill that would require immigrants to carry proof of legal status and require law officials to question anyone believed to be illegally present. The current Governor of Utah has declined to comment on ‘legislation that has not been drafted yet,’ but said he understands the need for addressing illegal immigration.
Reflecting the concerns of many opponents of the similar legislation recently signed into law in Arizona, Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank said that to enforce Sandstorm’s proposed law would set the state back 30-40 years, harkening back to the days of ‘Driving While Black.’
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14963407
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Immigration law puts MLB in a terrible situation
NBC Sports reports that Major League Baseball (MLB) has to decide if it wants to keep the 2011 All-Star Game in Arizona, or pull it due to the new anti-immigrant legislation recently passed. If the game is not pulled, the league faces the potential of protests at ballparks across the country; players facing questions about the law, rather than baseball; Hispanic players voicing their objections to the law; fans in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, and elsewhere denouncing or boycotting the MLB; and a potential boycott of the MLB by its sponsors. If the league moves forward with the game, they also risk alienating the Latino community, one of its most important fan bases.
The BCS and the NCAA may face similar decisions soon, as they are set to stage the 2011 National Championship for college football in Arizona in January. The NFL pulled Super Bowl XXVII in the past over Arizona’s refusal to establish a holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., thus the BCS and NCAA should take similar action to avoid even the appearance of discrimination against Latinos.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/14400754/ns/sports/
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Republicans hit Arizona immigration law
Politico reports that many national Republican voices have begun speaking out against the new immigration enforcement law in Arizona, calling it heavy-handed. While GOP critics have not gone as far as to call the bill “racist” they believe it to be the wrong approach, and hope it prompts federal action on the issue.
Marco Rubio said he fears the law puts the Arizona police force in an “incredibly difficult position.” Former Governor Jeb Bush also said that the law is not “the proper approach. I think it creates unintended consequences,” adding, “It’s difficult for me to imagine how you’re going to enforce this law.” Even Karl Rove, former Bush strategist, said “I wish they hadn’t passed it. I think there is going to be some constitutional problems with the bill….I think there are better tools.”
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, however, has defended the bill in an interview on FOX News, blaming the ‘myth’ of racial profiling on President Obama. On Capitol Hill, only two Republicans have spoken against the law- Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL).
Conservative talk show host Joe Scarborough has added that the bill is “un-American. It is unacceptable, and it’s un-American.”
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/36469.html
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‘Los Suns’ Join Protest, Then Stop the Spurs
The New York Times reports that NBA team The Phoenix Suns decided to wear their “Los Suns” jerseys at their playoff game on Wednesday, May 5th, both as a celebration of Cinco de Mayo, and as a form of protest against the recently passed anti-immigrant legislation in Arizona.
Robert Sarver, the Sun’s managing partner, called the new law flawed and mean-spirited, adding it would likely hurt the state’s economy. Sales of “Los Suns” shirts were higher than usual at the game, but outspoken political differences were at a minimum during the game, which The Suns went on to win.
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AZ Law Dampens Spirits on Cinco de Mayo: Fear Keeps Hispanics at Home
Associated Press reports that Cinco de Mayo festivities were tempered this year in Arizona, over fear from the newly passed immigration enforcement law. Markets normally full of customers were quiet, and even family picnics were scaled back, amid rumors of immigration raids on Cinco de Mayo parties.
Many Hispancis are increasingly anxious about the new laws, and perceive themselves as targets. Some are afraid to leave their homes, even on a day of celebration. Cinco de Mayo celebrates an out-manned Mexican army’s victory over a larger French force in 1862. But talks turned away from celebrations and increasingly towards what will happen to the Hispanic community. One local store-owner in Mesa, AZ said more and more people are fearful to leave their homes, afraid they’ll be swept up by police, adding people have already left the state.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j0TKl0X_6XLaoaRV5tMvLQwbHuCQD9FH2E1O0
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Colo. GOP candidate applauds Ariz. immigration law
The Associated Press reports that a Republican running for Governor of Colorado has said that he will pursue an “Arizona-style” immigrant crackdown if elected. Former Rep. Scott McInnis said I’d do something very similar’ if elected. A Republican running for Governor in Minnesota called the law ‘a wonderful first step,’ and Republicans in Georgia, Nevada, and Texas have also promised to copy the law.
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/congress/colo-gop-candidate-applaudsariz-immigration-law-92346649.html
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Some TX reps jump on Arizona bandwagon
KXAN News in Austin, TX reports that Republican lawmaker State Rep. Debbie Riddle has said she will propose immigration reform legislation similar to that recently signed in Arizona. Riddle joined Rep. Leo Berman, who recently announced he too would also introduce similar legislation in early 2011 when the Legislature reconvenes.
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/politics/Texas-Rep-to-propose-Arizona-like-law
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