American Morning
Arizona bill: Profiling or common sense?
(CNN) – Latino members of Congress are calling on Arizona's governor to kill a state bill targeting immigration.
The law would make it a crime to be in the country illegally, requiring police to question anyone if there's reason to suspect they're in the U.S. illegally. It would prohibit slowing or blocking traffic when searching for day laborers, make it a crime to give a ride to someone you know to be an illegal immigrant and would fine towns and cities that don't enforce immigration laws.
The controversial bill has already passed Arizona's senate and house, but Gov. Jan Brewer hasn't said if she'll sign it. We were joined on Wednesday's American Morning by Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who supports the bill; and Arizona state Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, who voted against it.
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They want to scream that it is the Federal Governments responsibility but they have done nothing. They have no idea the kind of strain that illegals put on American Citizens. We foot the bill for ALL of it. Our Childern's education suffers because them. Our job losses are huge because of them. The government wants to claim they have laws in place that stop Employers from hiring them, but they do anyway. That tells me that they have done nothing. I know that this is done because I work with it everyday. I also now that I'm not the only one. i want my GrandChildern to be able to grow up with a good education, however, unless there parentsI can afford to pay for a private school, that just won't happen. So my outlook on this bill.....Way to go Arizona! Keep it going. Maybe other states will catch on & take care of things thereselves.
What's that you say ? that this bill will leave the illegal immigrant with crime as the only option to make a living ? hmm, I can think of another option – LEAVE, get in LINE, and come back legally.
Discrimination ? yes ! and we discriminate against ALL criminals -you see, we dont allow them to wander freely, we put them in jail. Do we do that because of their race ?no – we do that because they committed crimes. Yes, most illegals "look" different, but, first, it's not our fault that latinos are the #1 illegal , and 2, that latinos look different – are we to avert our eyes ? and, yes, I would treat an illegal Canadian the same as an illegal mexican.
Good job AZ, may other states follow your lead! How can so many people not see a problem with 12-18 million people in this country being entirely undocumented. No finger prints, no SS #, no address, no way to track or contact them at all. If you were generous enough to say that they (illegals) committed violent crimes at the same rate as US citizens, then we are talking about 500,000 to 2,000,000 violent criminals who we have absolutely no way of monitering. This is a national security issue as well as a national security issue.
I would be proud to be a citizen of AZ right now.
let me see "making it a crime to be an illegal" isn't that already a crime? racial profiling- if the illegals coming from mexico are mexican not reacial profiling just the way it is.. by the sheer deifination "illegal aliens" means not here legally, stop the stupidity, they are breaking the law, if i break the law i go to jail, why special treatment because they don't want to take the time to do things the correct way. we have a lot of legal aliens here and beleive me they are way more ticked off then you and me over this.
I think every States should take up this Bill. Illegal is illegal what part people do not understand. I am a black female if I brake the law I will get lock up so what why is this profiling. The law is the law and who ever don't want this is disrespecting the law itself. And who do not carry ID any more.
God Bless America
Interesting law – but I am not sure stopping Hispanics will fix the problem. I am curious to see how many Hispanic-looking people will be pulled over on the side of the road. Good thing I am as pale as they come and there is no mistaking me for a Hispanic. Yee Haw!
Every American is an immigrant & I agree with Frank.
People who believe Immigrants are "scum", "dirty", and are "infiltrating" our borders are clearly in need of a serious reality check. Things suck economically in Mexico, basic knowledge, people want to live a better life outside of squalor and poverty (If you've ever been to Mexico, pay is poor and the cost of living, not so low) so they come over to a land where they hear things are better, the land of promise and prosperity, the wonderful U.S. of A. (Hmmm, sound familiar? Early colonial America?) Unfortunately, to enter the country one must wait, in some cases up to ten years for even so much a green card to enter the country, for many families that is an ungodly amount to of time to wait for their situation to improve. Sadly, for some families the only way to get out of their destitute situation is to enter the country illegally. So it is immigration reform we need, just not the kind Arizona is offering. In fact I believe the whole world needs to reform their policies, after all where does it matter where a person is born? As if we had a choice to be born in certain nations, the fact we were born in this nation is sheer luck, there are thousands of other locations where we could've come to life in, but no, we got lucky. Should we really punish those who weren't as lucky? I thought we were over social darwinism. Rant over.
geoff – you are very ignorant. Hispanic is NOT interchangable with Mexican – there are VARIOUS Hispanics: Cuban (of which I am one), Puerto Rican, Peruvian, Nicaraguan... Saying that Hispanic and Mexican are interchangable is like saying that Asian and Chinese are interchangable. I was born in America, educated in America, I vote in America, I educate America's children – should I be required to now carry all forms of ID on me when I just go walk my dog? This is racism, pure and simple.
The police need to do their jobs and show up when a crime is being committed. They need to go after the drugs and confiscate them. If they would do their job here they'd have their handfuls. Also, check those that are asking for money and washing windshields at local 7/11, Family Dollars, and the supermarkets. Those people need to be rounded up.
It is definitely profiling at its best. Sheriff Joe Arpaio is very racist; read the article on the New Yorker about him, its online as well. On that article you will find out who else is racist. The Arizona voters are mostly elderly and retired voters. They are from way back when racism was rampant and acceptable.
Jesus Christ cons, this isn't about illegal immigration, this is about creating a police state that has absolute control over the population, can't you stupid fools see that?
Profiling is seriously understating this travesty of a bill, even LEGAL residents can be jailed if they don't produce on demand identification that the police require, this sounds like the worse aspect of West Germany, have we thrown away 2 1/2 centuries of American freedom that millions fought and died for to satisfy a few racists?
It would only make sense to try to solve the problem by looking for the most like cause of it. I lived in Arizona for a few years and I have returned to the midwest, you would be amazed at the illegals that are here. Not only that, but they take advanage of systems setup to help American citizens try to better themselves using our hard earned tax money, then they brag about being here illegally because they think they free pass to our constitutional rights just because they are here. Not only do I support what Arizona is doing, I think it should be nation wide. If you are here illegally, then you need to be sent back. Or maybe we need to use our US troops to defend and guard our borders with needed force.
USA is democracy and in a democracy the majority rules. What is clear is that the majority of the people in the USA are agains illegal immigration if I don't want to play by the rules I just go home. I cannot come to other peoples home and try to establish my rules. What is so difficult to understand. I have 48 years in this country if I don't like something I just move on is not rocket science.
Just put a bounty on illegals and turn the military specials ops loose to collect it.
When I travel into Mexico I stop at immigration and fill out the proper documents and pay for a visa..If I break a law I am subject to arrest .Can I complain racial profiling?I think not.Why have laws if we don't enforce them?
If the illegals don't like being profiled, then they are free to become LEGAL citizens and vote the law makers our of office. Of course, they have always been free to do that. Instead, they decided to be criminals and enter the country illegally, stay in the country illegally, and work here illegally.
When I visit some other countries, I am legally required to carry identification papers proving that I am in their country legally. Why is it so difficult to understand that the U.S> is just trying to do the same thing?
I was always amazed that at airports I would get picked out of the crowd for routine questioning. Let's not forget that the terrorists that caused the whole idea of security checks at airports in the first place were from the middle east. I am white, retired a long time, with a knee replacement.
Heck, I even look like a retired ex-cop. Maybe that is why I was picked to talk to, I am cooperative, don't pose a threat and speak English well.
How about using common sense instead of developing another road block to getting at the truth.
Yeah!!! get your visas and green cards!!!! just like we all did get our visas and green cards from native americans back in the days!!! what you think we are better than you!! we came here respecting all their laws and way of living!!!! follow our example or go home!!!!
I am hispanic and I dont care if I am targeted by police thats the price you have to pay in this day and age.
Seriously? I'm sure that the Latino segment of the U.S. population don't want this...especially the politicos. It will cost them votes! Sorry, tough stuff..
Let's face it...most if not all illegal immigrants in AZ are of Latin decent...they come from south of the boarder...So, you know the police will not be pulling over some middle aged white guy cause they think he might be in the country illegally!
I am a middle aged white woman – I wasn't born in the US - I was born to a US military family while stationed overseas, so I already was a US citizen but I also have my naturalization papers...we all know they wont be stopping me to check my immigration status!!!!!
They need a way to find a balanced way to address the reality of their problems...do they get a lot of illegal immigrants? YES! Are they predominantly Latino? YES! Is the likelihood high that problems with racism will occur with this law? YES, YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!!!!!
how 'bout deporting the scum that came across the northern border?
Of course we would never elect an illegal immigrant to the white house! that will never happen! not in America.!
How come nobody says anything about the illegal Canadians? Is this really about immigration or about latinos?
....defend our borders? or the mexican border you mean? ..But this is not about race.. right?
Deport the latinos, they're all mexicans! and keep the illegal candians because they look like us anyway. this is about immigration not racism and predujice.
Is being candian a reason to believe someone is illegaly in the U.S.?
It is racist profiling! how ignorant of people to think otherwise! Not all hispanic are illegals! I am hispanic but was born in the united states, i have brown skin and if you dare stop just because i "look" ilegal you better wait for my lawyers to serve you with papers.
And for the people that say "is common sense and look at the facts that most illegals are hispanics". Then look at the facts and stop every african american because most crimes are done by them!
Or stop every white person because most of child molesters and meth dealers are white! You guys wouldnt like that would you?
People can be such HYPOCRITES!!
This has nothing to do with racism. No one minds latinos who are here LEGALLY and contribute to society. It is a matter of deporting people who abondoned their own country to come and suck the resources of ours. When we got fed up with our government and our country, we had a REVOLUTION. They need to go back to Mexico and do the same thing there.
Somehow I don't think they'll be pulling over white guys to see if they're legal immigrants from Canada.
I have an Asian name but I'm a natural born US citizen. If I have to carry my passport everywhere I go in my own country, then that's sad. It's a state of paranoia you see in a lesser developed country.
It sets up a situation where some stranger can just go up to a cop and say, "Hey, that guy looks like an illegal, can you go check him out?" If you're unlucky, you run into crooked cops who will just ruin your day, or your life.
It's bad news. In AZ you can conceal-carry handguns with no permit, and then if you have stops by police, you're going to anger those gun-toting patriots. This is a tragedy waiting to happen. The racial backlash will be uncontrollable.
Not sure what the issue is – if you are a legal resident of this country, why would you reject to showing your ID when asked by a law enforcement person? You see, law enforcement people are to ENFORCE THE LAWS. If you have a problem with that, please move somewhere else.
I say go Arizonia.About time we start to help our own citizens.Stop our jobs going to Illegal Immigrants.Reduce crime and stop feeding Illegal Immigrants in jail.Send them back.We as U.S. citizens must have a visa to cross into other coutries.What makes an hispanic any different.Stop letting these Immigrants pour into our border towns. It must STOP.
Jose Perez April 21st, 2010 5:10 pm ET
This bill is unconstitutional. This bill violates my Rights 14th right. I am a Mexican/Salvadorian/American. If you pull me over and you arrest me just because of my skin color you just violated my right. This bill is race profiling which is profiling one group the violates the equal protection of the laws. That you can arrest anyone that looks Latino. If you arrest me with any cause I can sue the state for violating my right as an American and wrongful arrest.
Jose you would only be arrested if you were illegally here. If that is the case you have no 14th right. which is specific about pertaining to CITIZENS.......
“ Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
"Illegal Aliens", I still think that's funny. Is this bill gonna be run through the Navajo tribunal?
I do think it is racial profiling because I have a pretty good feeling that the ones being stopped will only be Hispanic looking people although they are not the only ones here illegaly. I see many people from differnt countries in Europe and Asia who can not provide a social security number when they are seen in doctor's office I work in and you know they are illegal; but I wonder who will be stopped? the European looking person or the Hispanic? Do not generalize not every illgeal immigrant is in the drug trade and has jumped the border from Mexico. People commenting here calling other people scum is hurtful and promotes hatred from both sides. If i were in Arizona and they stopped me just because I looked Hispanic I would be upset. Stop me if I'm doing something wrong not because you think I am illegal it goes against my civil rights which are protected in the Constitution of this country. OR if you are going to stop me stop everyone else White, Black or Brown looking people because they could be illegal too do not just focus on one group.
The Arizona law conveniently ignores the heart of the problem: employers. Illegal immigrants come here BECAUSE Arizona employers offer them jobs, often off the books. It is a century old tradition in the southwest. How about this:
1. Any employer who employs more than two illegal aliens will spend a month in jail for each illegal immigrant he employs up to a max of three years in the pokey. This would include the CEO, personnel director, and any other administrator who had knowledge of this conspiracy to evade the law. The company must pay a fine of ten times the wages paid to any and all illegal aliens.
2. Any resident that employs an illegal maid, yardman, handyman, etc for casual labor around the house will be sentenced to one month in jail and fined ten times the salary paid to the illegal worker. He or she will also have to pay the withholding and social security for that worker.
3. Any farmer that employs an illegal farm worker will be fined 10 times the minimum wage X 8 hours X the number of days worked by each laborer plus social security and withholding.
4. Any government contractor who employs illegal labor will be excluded from bidding on any government contract for ten years thereafter, in addition to paying the fines.
Why doesn't Arizona do this? Because every upper middle class home in Arizona has an illegal maid and an illegal yard worker.
That will end illegal immigration in Arizona without turning the place into a police state.
Grow up Americans and behave like the Christians you profess to be.
Using the word 'legal' in this argument is laughable. Was it 'legal' for people of other countries to forcibly take North America from indigenous people? Uh yeah 'rocket scientists', that would be Native Americans and Mexicans. Other than African Americans, whose ancestors were kidnapped, enslaved, and brought here by force, no oother group has a moral leg to stand on. How about all of you that are not falling in these groups have deportation papers too?
War, genocide, land theft, and lies are not 'legal' ways to obtain government sovreignty-what does the word Democracy really mean as it pertains to the US? And if crimes against nations have a statute of limitation when a certain amount of time transpires or depending on the invaders [i.e. Europeans], then why not just 'acquire' what you want and stop the postering about so-called legalities and democracies?
Atonement & acknowledgement go hand in hand when admitting wrong actions. When will the US citizenry become a nation going forward, rather than continue to look for a group to persecute?
If you need scapegoats for the economy, go to Wall Street where all the 'suited' thugs are.
I really wish our indigenous ancestors would have enacted these same laws 500 years ago... then be having this discussion...
I'm all for LEGAL immigration, after all, America is the greatest nation on earth and that's why everyone wants to come here, but protecting our borders from ILLEGAL entry is long over due.
The illegal immigrant problem in America is akin to a sinking ship. To stay a float, you plug the leak and then start bailing. The U.S. government needs to complete the border fence while AZ rounds up the illegals. If it takes profiling, oh well!
Illegals are a drain on our economy, by over crowding our emergency rooms for their FREE (that we pay for) health care. Not to mention welfare for their U.S. born babies. Automatic citizenship for babies should be revoked if at least one of the parents is not a legal resident.
America needs to wakeup and start enforcing our immigration lasw. Way to go AZ.
I don't just let anybody come and live in my house. These people will work and it is a root of the problem. Work americans! and take the jobs they do. Need your lawn mowed?
I am a white, native Arizonan, and this bill sickens me. Approximately one-third of Arizonans are hispanic or latino. This bill legalizes, and actually encourages, the harrassment of American citizens based only on their skin color. This bill is blatantly unconstitutional, is a waste of police resources in a state that has serious crimes to deal with, and will not have any real benefit on the state. There are just going to be more crimes as hispanics will be less willing to call the police. Why report a stolen car or mugging if the cops are just going to show up and harrass you?
And for all of you white people that support the bill because it doesn't affect you: if you allow the government to take away the rights of one group, eventually they will take away the rights of all.
A socialist country with open borders won't work. Want a socialist economy? Close the borders. Want open borders? Then don't take from producers and give it to whoever shows up.
@Daniel – I'm a Democrat and even I think you're being a bit too liberal in your thinking. No, the US is not the only country to have immigration laws. You'd be just as illegal if you picked up and flew to France right now without going through the proper channels and immigrating legally. We have immigration laws for a reason – we cannot afford to support every single person who feels like walking across our borders. Anyone who wants to become a resident of the US is more than welcome to do so, they just need to follow the proper procedures to do it LEGALLY.
The laws already exist but the federal government seems to have no interest in enforcing them. The states have to take control of the situation as it is reaching crisis point.
Legalized racial profiling. This is what the Tea Partiers mean when they say "I want my America back!" A time when white men were in charge, white women were in pearls & heels in the kitchen, non-whites, gays, Catholics and Jews knew their place, and a white man couldn't be convicted of anything, because it's obvious people of color are criminals. Arabs gave up their oil for pennies on the barrel and the rest of the World went out of their way not to cross Us.
It's really been tough for the white man, now that they have been releaved of their 'burden'.
Who cares if it is profiling. We need profiling. Only criminals complain about showing IDs. The American people do not mind showing theirs regardless of race. We need profiling because lets face it the Muslims and the Illegal Mexicans are the ones who mind and they are criminals.
Great think all states should do this. 9 out of 10 that come across are already in the mexican gangs. they are illegal which which makes them a criminal to start with. Come here legal or not at all!
I love how they have to pass a law to finally say that people who are here illegally are to be treated like they are here illegally. Isn't that how it should have been in the first place? This should be federal law. . .
I'm actually amazed at the right wing comments – this is a bill they should be fighting against! Where is the Constitutionalist's outrage?
I guess when Tea Baggers ask "Do you like your freedom" they're only talking to whites. I'm all for a Nation ID, but then make it a blanket policy, allow police to stop anyone including the nut bags open carrying machine guns. How quick the argument will change.
This isn't a immigration bill, this is stepping on everyone's rights. Next thing you know there will be a law letting the police stop you because you look "White" and "Retarded".
how come its illegal for hispanics or other races to come to the united states but its not illegal for americans to go to other states its jus wrong some immigrants come to work hard and support there family i addmit some come and give us a bad reputation but pass a law to fix that instead of trying to make every imigrant leave try helping the ones that come and try to make an honest buck and give them citizenship
Profiling is a law enforcement officer stopping a person based on a suspicion that a person is possibly engaged in a a illegal act based on ones RACE.
But if a person has been stopped for such things as a traffic stop, or other suspected illegal act that is not profiling.
PROBLEM is thought people are stopped all the time for nothing more than a officers suspicion it has happened to me and my family on more than one time.
The only reason we were stopped was the officer was engaged in CREATIVE law enforcement if there is no crime to investigate we will try and create an incident were we can find one.
So is it okay to ask for ones green card YES, if stopped in the course of a real INVESTIGATION, a officer should be able to ask for proof your citizen.
Like with many LAWS it will be followed by most to the letter,
BUT POWER WILL BE ABUSED BY SOME HOW WILL THEY Be held ACCOUNTABLE
I think it's pretty sad, that when certain groups run out of arguments, yell racism.
The only thing that will change is, when you get pulled over or arrested the officer has the right to ask for your status. And that means, you're somehow in trouble with the law.
What's so wrong with that? Illegals are the ones who break the law. Why should we apologize for something, we have a right to? You don't like, you are free to leave.
It seems that we always take the term "profiling" as something that is always bad. When looking for kidnapped children, they immediately use the concept of profiling to identify child molesters in the area. Marketing people use profiling to identify potential customers. The census people do profiling work. Profiling in and of itself is neither bad or good. Efforts to capture illegal aliens using profiling techniques is fine. The real issues is how we treat the people that are being spoken to. The police need to do their jobs in enforcing our laws. We need to help them. This is our responsibility.
Racial profiling?!?!?!?!
It's geography folks. Arizona borders which country to the South?
I suspect that if Montana passed a similar bill we wouldn't be hearing the same "racial profiling" comments. Those darn Canadians come down here and they're really hard to spot!
Get a grip. It's our Southern border. Do you think we'll see a lot of French and British illegals coming across the border from the South?
Common sense. Get some.
Kuddo's to Arizona for actually doing something about illegal immigrants. I hope the Governor will sign it as the American citizen's jobs need protecting. When is it profiling to protect the laws of our country? Every state in the U.S. should pass the same legislation.
The illegals take American jobs, abuse our system and then take the dollars earned in the US back to Mexico. Who suffers, the American Taxpayer thats who. I for one am sick of this. Thanks Arizona for your stand up to do the right thing!!
Illegals have no rights! They are not citizens. As a US citizen I am part of "team USA" and with that comes the responsibility to look after your home team. If you don't like or understand that concept you have every opportunity to leave if you desire. We live in a world of the haves and have nots. I am not willing to let illegal immigration diminish my quality of life further. The qualities afforded by US citizenship are a privledge for those who contribute to the system. We can't afford anymore free riders as we already have enough stress on the system with the social programs in place for actual cititzens.
I honestly don't care anymore if it is profiling or not. The fact of the matter is that those that come to this country illegally have already broken the law. If you want to be here so bad to make a better life for you and your family, more power to you. Do so legally, learn the language and stop expecting us to fork out extra money to put your native language on items that you buy so you know how to work them. If I move to a different country I will do my best to learn the language spoken there. I will not expect a handout from the so I can fit in better. It is absolutely ridiculous. Time to arrest all illegals and get them out of here. As far as the jobs go, that just means that those AMERICANS that are unemployed can get a job and start getting their lives back on track.
This bill is profiling at its worse
Does this bill address the issue of placing water caches in the desert for the illegals? That's aiding and abetting, isn't it?
It must be the Sun or lack of it that makes AZ come up with this expensive NUTTY bill.
Thia is a land of Immigrants don't be a "Dog in the Manger" The very first immigrants and the founding fathers were all illegals.
Once again you hear the nuts on the nazi right come out with stupid comments.
Who says illegals do not pay tax. They pay as much and in some cases more than some of the teabaggers/republicans. (% of what they earn)
Also when it comes to commerce these same people call for "free trade" Why not have an open frontier for all Americans "free" travel between nations like "free" trade. If there are no Jobs no one will come.Someone applying from Europe to immigrate to the USA it take afew weeks to get the okay. Same person coming from Latin America / Asia takes 10 – 15 years.....or more. Remove the Quotas and we will than have NO ILLEGALS from anywhere.
Profiling goes on in all 50 states.
Maybe the AZ teabaggers/republicans are afraid of the Catholics from the Central Americas????
I know there are alot of non-hispanic illegals in this country – but in AZ they will be mostly latino.
But how did it become wrong in this country to stop, question and detain someone who has broken the law ??? How insane have we become ? They knowingly are here illegally – if someone finds them then they should be punished. And yes – someone should be trying to find them.
Even if we only found half the illegals in this country our health care industry would see so much less debt. You would not believe the cost of treating the uninsured – and in AZ most of them are the illegals.
It is not racial profiling to ask for legal documents. If you get pulled over while driving, you have to show your drivers license and insurance, is that profiling? Obviously not. When people cry racism, they are simply building a strawman and trying to muddy the waters. If you are taking flak, it means you are over the target. The fact is, illegals take jobs, don't pay taxes, commit crimes, and fill our jails. If you are a citizen in Arizona, show your papers,it's as simple as that.
This Law is Inhuman and is going to cause damage to hispanic people, is going to turn in an holocaust....we are the country of liberty, and the home of the brave, Arizona take away that from Us....if this guys want to protect the border, put police there, but if you make a law for looking and punish people inside of the country, that is inhuman, violent and racist
I am sure the native americans think it's about time for immigration reform.
John you took the words right out of my mouth
Are these latinos kidding? How dare they say that the bill is racist when our nation has every right to defend its borders! The people who are against this bill are the capitalists who want cheap unskilled labor. I mean the immigration problem in the usa is a joke, it would be so easy to find these illegal scum and deport them back to their country, all a police officer would have to do is stop them and ask them for their green card.
Hey, I can't enter other countries illegaly so why would we allow it? We have a legal way of doing things as pointed out by others. It's kinda nice to know who's running around your town especially with the way the world is these days. However, I can see things getting out of hand. As much as I respect them, police can be a little jumpy but I can see myself being the same way with the kinds of situations they come up against. Most of the time there is good reason to be jumpy but other times not.
Lets just let the whole world in the country as they please, and we can then fight it out and this country can end up like the rest of the world. illegals are nothing more than people that abandon their country, I would never abandon my country and will fight till death for it ! SEMPER FI
Why are people so worried about being pulled over? If you are, and you are legal, no worries. My area runs drivers license checkpoints on a regular basis and I am glad to stop and be checked because they also grab those driving without a license.
It is not the fault of legal US citizens, of any color, that one particular ethnic group has decided to ignore the laws of this country. The race that breaks the law SHOULD be profiled. Ignoring that fact is simply convenient for those with a vested interest in remaining here illegally.
i have never understood why 1illegal husband,i illegal wife{pregant already}=i legal baby--what part of illegal doesnt anybody understand. round up all illegals and send them back home. let them come here legally
It's time we went after the main cause and go after illegal-employers.
So I can get stopped and harrassed in Arizona. Even though my family has been Americans for over a hundred years. Nice Arizona.
This interview is a lovely example of the two faces of America today: the educated, intelligent and civil side, represented by the state senator and the uncouth, simple-minded and belligerent side, magnificently portrayed by the sheriff.
Well lets see, if Governor Jan signs this off, what does that mean for me? This means if I get stopped by a police officer, of suspected " illegal alien status" I have to show them proof I'm a citizen? You know there are plenty of illegal immigrants that are here in the country, and yes more or less in my State Arizona. There are plenty of snow birds here that cause more problems on the road from Canada, issues with crime and such that could be dealt with accordingly. Granted, immigration is an issue here, but what does that do to the Natural born citizens like myself? To me, it seems that its ok to be racially profiled against because one appears to be "illegal"? Is it because I am dark? Is it because I have a scratch on my bumper? Did I not wear the correct American clothing on a specific day I "would be questioned"? There are so many concerns about setting the example for our country by doing this.It doesn't seem fair for the hard working Latino's who have been in this country for generations, pay their taxes, but wait......let me show you my passport with my license and registration....do you want my birth certificate as well? What are they gonna come up with next, do you know the words to "la coo coo racha"? If so, then adios amigo... hmmm ...
First of all, it is doubtful that police would stop just anyone who looks Latino just to see if they are illegals... unless, as the bill clearly says, they give the police reason to be suspicious.
Next of all, U.S. Customs has estimated that as much as 80% of the illegal drugs coming into this country enter from Mexico, whether they originate there or not. Arizona is one of about 4 states that borders on Mexico.
Finally, a large percentage of the criminal activity in the Southwest can be directly attributed to illegal aliens... as much as 30% of the population of several of our federal prisons are believed to be illegals.
Sometimes profiling is just common sense. I say that it only makes sense to check them if they break a law or act excessively suspicious... regardless of their ethnic origin.
There are many ways a person can come into this country legally, and vice versa, one example: green card. If you have one and it is current, you can stay. If it is not current or you do not have one then you need to get sent back to your home country. Can the government or anyone show that all the illegal aliens currently in this country have contacted immigration or whoever it is they need to contact and ask for political asylum? One must prove they meet criteria for political asylum. Very few do. The law is very clear. Why is it that the government and legal system choose to follow their own path and interpret laws to suit their beliefs or leanings? Is that fair to the citizens and immigrants that are here legally? When is the american government going to start taking better care of their citizens that they are sworn to do?
Illegal aliens are the ones breaking the law, Apparently the US government will not stop the crossings and the border patrol is a joke
as they are really powerlessto stop the crossings . The liberals will
call it profiling, but as we see it enforcing the law. Illegals put a drain on our economy that has gone beyond pre.posterous
Listen, I didn't join the military, with two tours in Vietnam to be stopped and harassed because I have dark skin. In Vietnam I was in numerous encounters with the enemy and they didn't care about color of my skin. They were trying to kill me because I was an AMERICAN soldier, did you get that Sheriff Joe, an AMERICAN soldier. Now you want to deny my right as an AMERICAN from taking a morning walk in peace without fear of be stopped by your untrained goons because they see a dark skin individual? Also Sheriff are Mexicans the only criminals in your state that you have to run around seeking dark skin people I fought for my rights as an American to have the freedoms this great country has given me. Chill out and go over to Winchell's and have a doughnut.
It's sad that you even have to ask that question. It is obviously profiling.
If they are doing something illegal, what's the problem. Maybe they should start arresting the politicians and their ilk for obstruction of justice. That might change things!!
It isn't racial profiling; it is simply a logical and common sense approach that everyone favors except for those, ahem, illegal aliens and their un-American supporters and low life ACLU types. It makes little sense searching white and black people when the Latino population comprise the majority of the illegal border jumpers.
I carry my identification everywhere I go and so should all Americans.
What took so long Arizona?
It's ABOUT TIME!
Since there are VERY few white illegals coming in, even fewer black illegals AND given that we share a border with Mexico, the ONLY intelligent conclusion one could come to is that the VAST majority of the illegals ARE Latin/hispanic/Mexican (whatever today's most popular word is).
Moreover, we have years of data to support this contention.
Should we, then, stop EVERYONE? Stop my white haired, Santa looking father when it is totally self evident that he's as white, and legal, as they come?
Given the data, only an idiot could connect the dots so as to make the issue one of "profiling."
Sadly, Kyrsten Sinema, IS one of those idiots
It will promote racial profiling. No white person, illegal or otherwise will be stopped because of this law, but plenty of brown people including AMERICAN CITIZENS will be. It is not fair that one group of citizens will be treated unfairly.
I have lived in arizona for the last 7 years and i want to say that this is one of the most ridiculous bills i have ever seen. It is an attempt by the Republican party to try and get to the democratic govt.
I can compare it to a classroom where Joe Arpaio is the teacher and Brewer is the Principal. The policemen being the student s are being told by their teacher which is arpaio that they dont need to do their math homework or science, but just turn in their english homework. The police have been taught real bad habits of only enforcing speeding and go after hispanics. There is no enforcement on other issues.
Since i came here arizona has become a big haven for carlifornia drug dealers and marijuana /drug users because they know very well that the police are not interested in them. The number of carlifornia residents has increased exponentially. I even now know that the Bloods and Crips have started taking over some neighborhoods, a thing unheard of in Arizona. They can now operate indiscriminately because the police do nothing about them.
The archaic laws have made transport a nightmare. It takes me 2 hours to get to a place i used to take 25 min during rush hour.
Funny enough the sheriff employs a clever tactic of adding the illegal immigrants he goes hunting down into the state crime statistics so the more he catches the better his stats...! He has a large senior citizen base and uses this to scare the confidence back into him.
It is a double edged sword that will seriously backfire on him when he realizes that there are no more illegals to hunt and the state crime which has been left unchecked is off the roof. Like his crime supression sweeps where he utilizes 60 sheriff and police plus his so called Posse of armed citizens to arrest 12 Burger flippers costing the state so much in taxpayer money.
Pray for us!
This is common sense. Our government has been asleep at the wheel of their responsibility to deport people here illegally. While the rest of us citizens (in the southwest) get smothered with illegal immigrants.
This bill is unconstitutional. This bill violates my Rights 14th right. I am a Mexican/Salvadorian/American. If you pull me over and you arrest me just because of my skin color you just violated my right. This bill is race profiling which is profiling one group the violates the equal protection of the laws. That you can arrest anyone that looks Latino. If you arrest me with any cause I can sue the state for violating my right as an American and wrongful arrest.
The great Nordic Democracies deport all illegal aliens. They do not give citizenship to babies unless at least one parent is a citizen. In Mexico it is a felony to be illegally in the country or to help an illegal alien.
its like an argument between the though dad and the softy Mom
As I follow this story and this bill. I live in Illinois, and have a problem with the immigration that has expand over the years. What do you do when they come in the states to have their kids here? I think that all states should have this bill just not one...
What part of illegal is hard to understand? The feds don't do squat. The libs think everyone should pay for illegals. We need to protect our country...mexicans don't want to get profiled then quit commin here illegally and spouting yer se saw suzy chants all over..my country...my rules..you pray this does go thru the alternative is going to be a lot more violent. ILLEGALS OUT NOW!!!
about time. IF by the law you are illegal, you should not be here. End. of. story. No excuses, no lame close the eyes and not see, no more pretending it's good for the economy, or pretending the illegals aren't part of the drug importation or drug money exportation system, or pretending they don't being their crime with them.
IF you want more immigration from MX and C./ S. America, change the law to make it possible, don't flout the laws that exist.
Illegal means AGAINST THE LAW = catch them, lock them up, send them home – where ever that is.
Legal should mean, pass a TOEFL test, pass a civics test, pass a driving license test, and have a JOB and pay taxes.
More states and the federal govt should emulate AZ!
I am a Jewish Gypsy gay male resident of Phoenix. As in Nazi Germany, when might I expect to have to prominently display my symbol of identification, which one will I be given and who will give it to me, the local sheriff, ICE, who???
Only in America someone is considered "illegal" on God's green Earth. Our brave troops are fighting for freedom in the Middle East, yet not everyone in the U.S. is free. I believe it is time for Arizona to realize that all their tough illegal immigration laws that are enforced (especially by Shrieff Joe Arpaio) leaves "illegal" immigrants to only one means of survival – crime.
Real conservatives do not forget what The New Colossus in the Statue of Liberty truly means.
First of all, why do people automatically think, that all immigrants have a different skin color? This has nothing to with racism. There is a law in this country and it needs to be respected. I came from Germany and had to do what was necessary to live here. Legal. I pay my taxes and don't see any reason, why others shouldn't do the same. Protection for illegals? I don't think so! You get caught, by whom ever, you're out of luck. Good for Arizona!
"Latino members of Congress are calling on Arizona's governor to kill a state bill targeting immigration." – Why? NO American citizen has to worry about this bill regardless of RACE.
Appears that the "Latino members of Congress" are only worried about their RACE (La RAZA), instead of Americans as a whole.
AZ has placed a progressive/common sense approach that needed to done 30 years ago.