Arizona Immigration Law Update
This is the BajaInsider update on the new and very controversial Arizona immigration law. First I’ll put what facts I have found and then I’ll follow this with comments for and against, by some of our readers.
U. S. District court Judge Susan Bolton blocked the Arizona Immigration law on July 28th, with a temporary injunction against some parts of the new Arizona State bill 1070. Gov. Jan Brewer then appealed the injunction and asked for a fast appeal process and that she agreed to make some changes to “tweak” the new law to accommodate those parts that Judge Bolton faulted.
July 31st the Federal appeals court announced that it would not begin the appeal process until fist week of November and Arizona has until August 26th to provide its briefs concerning the appeal. Important to note that while this injunction was a small victory for the critics of the law there are still parts that Arizona can and has enforced with 70 arrests in Phoenix on Thursday the 29th using parts of the Arizona law that were not blocked by the injunction.
Gov. Brewer claimed she would take this all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary and most likely because of the importance of this bill this might very likely happen. The day of the injunction those in favor of the law set up a fund to fight the injunction with $75,000 dollars added to the fund giving the stat 1.6 million dollars to overturn judge Bolton’s injunction. The new SB1070 lite as it is being called may do away with several of the questionable parts of the bill that may make it unconstitutional however there is obviously a lot more to be heard and decided concerning SB1070.
There are actually many more facts that I could include but I think people get the idea that the law as it stood could be unconstitutional and therefore there is much more to come. Before I show some of the comments we have received I want to make a strong point that my original article was criticizing those that had not even bother to educate themselves on SB1070. I received emails as you will see for and against the law; but most disturbing to me were those that accused me of taking a stand in favor of the law. I only believe in the law if does not supersede federal law and truly believe even the federal law that has been around for long time probably needs to be revised.
I truly believe in free speech and that people should be legal immigrants in whatever country they chose to live. I also believe that people, cities, sates and countries have the right to boycott Arizona however I just don’t feel it is the best way to a solution. That said here are some of the comments sent to me and while many (curiously enough, those in favor of the law) told me I could use their names I decided not to since not all agreed to this I have only left initials so they may be remain anonymous and I don’t feel it really makes a difference to their validity of their comments. I also have left them un-edited except for spelling errors or deleted comments that were to me personally. Understand I just want people to have an educated opinion if they are going to have one at all!
The comments and criticisms:
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I'm very sorry you took a stand on the Arizona immigration law (pending). We too live in both countries, but in an agricultural county in CA. Perspectives are different here and it was foolish to take a stand (not just impart info) on such a controversial issue. Then to criticize CA and those who feel a boycott is in order. Nothing wrong with feeling one way or another, but taking a stand in print as the Baja Insider, that alienates a large group of folks (many your readers) makes the publication political, allied with Rush, and other right wing crazies, etc. That is not why we live in Baja 6 months of the year, enjoy Baja and its people. We will terminate our subscription and gain our Baja "fix" in other ways. JK
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LOVED your comments on the Arizona immigration law and the entire article. It's the first thing I've read that really made any sense. Thanks for standing up and speaking your truth. KB
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I would like to comment, that the law in Arizona merely allows Arizona duly appointed officials, to enforce the Federal immigration laws. It does not extend any further powers. What is so hard to understand about illegal is illegal? Some how, some people seem to misunderstand the concept, that illegal is a crime by definition. Perhaps, vocabulary lessons should be emphasized a bit more in grade school, or those against it, should return to the 6th grade for remedial training. Best wishes with your continuing education Capt. R.F, USN Ret.
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The new immigration law targets people of brown skin color. White people are not going to be asked for their papers to prove citizenship when pulled over for a broken tail light. What's next? Patches on our clothing to identify us?
I am caucasian. I am a U.S. citizen. I live in Mexico full time and I am far from apathetic. I can and will boycott the state of Arizona. I will not spend a penny within its borders.
It is also not the responsibility of law enforcement officials to deal with immigration issues. See Tucson.
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1st The new immigration law reeks of Nazi Germany or the former Soviet Union. "Papers please!"
Follow up: And the thing that really gets me. What type of work are these illegal immigrants performing? Backbreaking work out in the hot sun or washing dishes in the hotel third shift. Jobs that Americans will not do.
So after you get rid of all the illegal immigrants......and you manage to find enough people willing to pick lettuce for minimum wage(good luck) and the employers also now have to pay into unemployment, worker's compensation,etc.....don't be surprised when you go shopping and lettuce is 6 dollars a head.
Yours in peace always, D
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Amen to the article regarding the AZ law. There are two kinds of Mexicans in the US: those of us who work and pay taxes and those illegal that live off them. We are tired of them and would like to see them go to whatever country they came from. Our whole family is spending a vacation in AZ to show support and will gladly show our documents if asked. Regards, M
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These are just a few of the comments I received from our readers. I have also had many comments from Americans, Canadians and Mexicans here in Baja. What is amazing to me is that most of the Mexicans seem to think the law is right to enforce while about 50% of the foreigners don’t like it.
I would like to close with a few more comments. Firstly I believe that not even reading the law you are upset about and or boycotting it within the U.S. to me is not at all productive towards a solution. Secondly everyone has a right to an opinion and I respect them whether I agree to disagree with them. Thirdly the fact that without cheap and in many cases illegal workers; lettuce costs will rise…then fight to change the law instead of promoting breaking it!
Finally my personal opinion at this time (yes it is subject to change as I learn more everyday) is that the federal laws need to change; the U.S needs to make it easier for people to immigrate if they want the cheaper labor force; Mexico needs to ease up on its immigration laws which are much stricter and enforced including, any law enforcement may ask to see your papers anytime without cause and personally I’m okay with it.
Resources: Associated press articles, LA Times, Frontera NorteSur (FNS): on-line, U.S.-Mexico border news and of course our wonderful reader of www.bajainsider.com
Once again I invite all comments, criticisms and more importantly ideas on a better solution for both countries. (click here)