Controversy Over Arizona Immigration Bill

Controversy has erupted over the recent Arizona immigration reform bill, Arizona Senate Bill 1070. Latino members of Congress are critical of the bill, alleging it makes racial profiling part of Arizona police policy. Arizona already spends over a billion dollars annually on immigration related expenses, almost sending the state sprinting for emergency cash loans.

Arizona immigration reform SB1070

The Arizona immigration reform bill, SB 1070, just passed the Arizona House of Representatives, and is due on the governor's desk soon. The bill, according to the Christian Science Monitor, would enable police officers to determine immigration status of suspects involved in crime. The bill would also make it a crime for immigrants to not possess valid immigration paperwork. Endorsers of the bill contend the state is stepping in where the federal government hasn't, after record numbers of illegal immigrants and a rancher's murder. Arizona is already strapped for extra money on illegal immigration expenses, as the state spends over $ 1 billion per annum already.

Latino Congressmen in opposition

Several Latino members of Congress have called for Jan Brewer, the governor of Arizona to veto the bill, according to CNN. Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva (D) opposes the bill and contends it is egregiously discriminatory. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) contends it also impedes federal immigration authority as well. Isabel Garcia, a legal defender in Arizona, says the bill "legalizes racial profiling."

Bill deemed totalitarian by Los Angeles Cardinal

Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archbishop of the Los Angeles Diocese, according to the Los Angeles Times, has called the laws contained within the bill as using "German Nazi and Russian communist techniques." Among the other calls for Governor Brewer to veto the bill is Bishop of the Tucson Diocese Gerald Kicanas. Mahony, on his blog, calls for a fairer policy on immigration, and one depending on logic and reasoning as many immigrate to the US to work for a better life.

Immigration reform has been an issue of great contention

Immigration reform efforts have long been a hot topic within the U.S. In the late 19th century, Asian immigrants were heavily discriminated against (and again in WWII), and immigrants from Mexico and Latin The US are now the cause de jour. There have been numerous attempts to tackle illegal immigration from Mexico for decades. Authoritarian solutions appear to be ineffective, so perhaps more pragmatic solutions are needed.

Resources:

Christian Science Monitor http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0415/Arizona-illegal-immigrati...

CNN http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/20/arizona.immigration/

Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0420-mahony-immigration-20100420...

Cardinal Roger Mahony's blog http://cardinalrogermahonyblogsla.blogspot.com/</p>