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June 7th, 2010
12:00 PM ET
Arizona's Latinos divided over immigration law
(CNN) – Nearly one thousand people rallied in Phoenix this weekend over Arizona's new controversial immigration law. Here's the twist, they were coming out in support of it. The legislation has reignited the immigration debate across the nation and as our Thelma Gutierrez shows us, it's even dividing Arizona's Latino population.
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It's apparent here that many of these posters can't even read. No point in arguing with someone that doesn't even know the definition of the word "ILLEGAL".
C'mon People!!! Read the law!!!! Tell me how it is racial profiling to make a routine traffic stop and ask for identification? In the law it states that a valid state drivers license (any state) is considered proof of citizenship. If I (a white man) get stopped by a cop I am asked for the exact same identification. If I cannot provide that identification then guess what? I would go to jail too! So, show me the racism. BTW, if you read the current immigration law of CA on the books it doesn't have any of the barriers to racial profiling that the AZ law does. So, which state is racist?
Please use your brains and read the law before you show your ignorance.
Whatever happened to love and understanding? Why have so many people dehumanized the undocumented immigrants and their families? They feel as we do, they love as we do, they are human. People speak of them as if they were creatures from outer space. I think it is time for us to get to the root of the problem of illegal immigration and fix it. This law doesn’t even begin to touch this problem. This law is racist and not well thought out. Many people claim to be religious and support this law. I don’t understand how religious people who love can support this law. I will be praying for them to my God who is forgiving and loves all people regardless of borders. My God does not want to create slaves.
This new law is only going to put those who are already in the shadows deeper into the shadows. This law is inhumane it gives more power to the businesses and the bad people who are already taking advantage of these illegal immigrants. In a sense this law is creating slaves. An illegal cannot complain if he is being taken advantage of, if they are being molested, beaten, enslaved, or not paid there fair wages for the work they do, they can no longer go to the police. If an undocumented woman is abused by her husband she can no longer look for help without the fear of being deported. She will become a slave in her own home subjected to mistreatment. In a sense the police have become the enemy. If an illegal is a witness to a crime they can no longer go to the police and give a statement. The police will lose credibility in many minority communities. This law is bad for community safety
I can't believe that any latino in his right mind would support this bill. This immigration bill is aimed at minorities in the community. This law is a disgrace to all of us who live in the USA. Arizona also banned all ethnic studies classes in high schools and is banning all teachers with accents from teaching in the Arizona classrooms. They are attacking everyone who is different, everyone who does not fit the stereo typical profile of a US citizen. Arizona is intolerant and discriminative. The federal government needs to put an end to all of this nonsense, just because the majority agrees with a law that doesn’t mean that it is correct and it doesn't mean it is moral. WWJD. Shame on Arizona. GOUSA!
Latinos that support this immigration law are the worst type of people, it makes me sick. This immigration bill is aimed at minorities in the community. This law is a disgrace to all of us who live in the USA. Arizona also banned all ethnic studies classes in high schools and is banning all teachers with accents from teaching in the Arizona classrooms. They are attacking everyone who is different, everyone who does not fit the stereo typical profile of a US citizen. Arizona is intolerant and discriminative. The federal government needs to put an end to all of this nonsense, just because the majority agrees with a law that doesn’t mean that it is correct. . Arizona is a disgrace to the USA.
I also think noone is looking at the bigger picture. How would you feel if you were borne in the US and your parents were illegal? would it still be fair to tair appart a family just because they have no papers. They could be honest hard working people them selves looking for a better life for there children. Who are we to say they dont have the right to try and live like human beings, what makes us better than them? I just cant believe this is the issue and not the cartels or people braking laws. I feel they should spend less time on this and worry about the economy a little more. Go back to real issues and just leave these hard working people alone.
The coronel just shows how stupid the army really is. Has no Idea what really is going on. I will be laughing next time I see him on the news complaining officers arrested him for looking illegal.
If you go to any other country illegally you are either deported, sent to jail or shot, depending on the country. Why should it be any different here? My mother came from Germany, learned the language and became a US citizen. Let them do the same.
I thank God that I was born in America.
As the decendant (4th gen) of legal immigrants from Mexico, I firmly agree with those who call for earned citizenship. Swift deportation is appropriate for anyone from any country who tries to shortcut the process by crossing borders or overstaying their visas. I am sympathetic to the poor living conditions in other countries, and am open to bringing hope, education, and medical care to potential immigrants through ministry in the home country. The part of the AZ law I think is most important is "It also targets those who hire illegal immigrant laborers or knowingly transport them." This is also a serious issue here in CA, especially in Orange and Los Angeles counties, and I feel must be central to any sort of immigration reforms, be they federal or state.
The law is unconstitutional because the state does not have the inherent or implicit authority to give itself more power to regulate. Federal law preempts the state's argument over their rights to regulate under their police power. The law will be challenged on its face and as applied and be enjoined by the courts for many years and then be found unconstitutional.
For those who are true constitutionalists, make sure your government is writing constitutionally sound laws before engaging in an argument regarding the substance of the law (i.e. illegal immigration). What upsets me is when politicians (eg the governor) write laws THEY KNOW are unconstitutionally sound just to make a point, in the meantime, disregarding our constitution and our individual rights. This is not how you challenge laws- you cannot cheat your way into a political seat. For those engaging in a back and forth discussion over this- focus on the main point here- most people want reform but we cannot allow our federal, state and local governments to violate the constitution- doing so is un-American. It doesn't matter which side of the argument you are one- write a constitutional law first and then argue about it!!! I am tired of politicians thinking they are so slick by thinking the general public are sheeps and that we are ignorant to the constitutional process!
The laws is not racist and most understand it. The issue really centers on basic border control. Many want it, while others do not. Those that do not are hoping that friends or relatives can come here without applying for citizenship and waiting. It's about "Cutting in line" and not much more. The US needs a secure border, followed by a reason able immigration policy. Without a secure border, there is no immigration control, period.
david...no, not one in 50,000. My wife is Latina. She and her entire family (from Albuquerque) support the Arizona law and hope that NM passes a similar law. They followed the law when they immigrated...no amnesty, no fast track to citizenship. They learned english, worked hard and made the American dream for themselves.
im hispanic, and at first i was against this law because there was talk that this would lead to racial profiling and the need for hispanics to carry around passports and documents to prove their legality. i read the law, all you need to prove youre legal is a drivers license. this law isnt that bad
The gentleman arguing against the law appears to believe, as many Latinos do, that they are above the law. Note he says they shouldn't be questioned because they came to America to improve their lives, in other words, because they did what they wanted to and everyone else should allow that. Latinos have gotten away with breaking immigration law for so long, they seem shocked at any enforcement. The more they cry for special treatment and amnesty, the more it seems to me that most Latinos are racists.
I am glad a state government has the courage to address a large criminal issue the federal government does not seem to have the courage to do. Entering the U.S. illegally is a federal crime. Yet, the federal government has done nothing to the occurrence of thiis crime. I praise the governor of Arizona and suggest the federal government take notice: arrest the criminals and deport them! There is little difference between illegal immigration and invasion.
I am proud to see someone in government stand up and say what a lot of americans feel. The law is the law. If you can pick the laws you want to obey, and just disreguard the rest, you know were that will lead. I want to thank the state of Arizona for doing what had to be done and not backing down when the pressure was on. We need more people in government to stand up. To bad it only happens in Arizona.
No it does not "SPLIT" Latinos great failure attempt to try and divide the Hispanic Population tho...it might split goofballs like that silly retired colonel you managed to find who by the way replied to me with a racially offensive email....but hes hispanic..yeah so what...and hitler was white
We support LEGAL immagration, what's so hard to understand. Boot the ILLEGALS the heck OUT.
The American people don't want to proivde "a path to citizenship" to the 12 million illegal immigrants here, we have 15 million unemployed Americans going bankrupt, millions of foreclosures, families going homeless. 12 Million illegal immigrants cannot continue to live here in limbo with no legal way to make money, this only leads to crime, drug dealing, gangs, and dependence on government and charities. Politicians needs to start talking honestly to them, there will be no amnesty, they need to move back to their home countries. I'm a liberal, but we have hundreds of millions of poor AMericans here that need help, let's stop inviting the worlds poor to move here to compete for the few jobs available.
My maiden name is Spanish. Our family came over in the 1740s. I know Latinos who have done things legally. And I know of some who the whole household disappears whenever someone gets arrested. By scattered threads- I appear white. Whenever I don't oppose illegalities by other whites, others of different races feel free to criticize my "endorsement" of the wrong behavior. When Latinos or Blacks don't oppose illegalities by others of their race, for me to criticize, it's racist. My oh so Spanish appearing siblings can say a negative thing and it's OK. I say it, I'm cussed and yelled at for being bigoted. This advertising campaign to call illegals "undocumented", ........In college, my political science teacher was Iranian. Over and over he used to say, "Look at how people are shifting words to influence you, for good or bad".
I don't understand the ACLU's point. How can sending people who are not citizens back to where they are from be racist?
I am: Hispanic, no scratch that, I am Latino, no scratch that...
I am a US Citizen, of Puerto Rican descent.
I am an American fighting man, a commissioned officer sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States.
I support any legislation which helps turn around and curb the illegal immigration to the USA: "My Country "tis of Thee"...
Every sovereign country has the right and moreover, the obligation to secure and protect its borders. I cannot understand why so much resistance to doing what every other nation does; protect its people, resources and way of life from illegally entering foreigners.
Get over it, if you can't produce a document proving your right to be here when asked to, then you do not belong here. And don't let the door hit you on your way out.
i have NO problems with LEGAL immigration, folks who follow the rules, abide by OUR laws and contribute skills and swear allegiance to our nation. I REJECT all sneak thieves using forged stolen IDs, who DEMAND equal rights and privileges as LEGAL residents while at the same time DEMANDING special exceptions because they are "poor immigrants." the attention-deflectiing cry "We're Human Too" has nothing whatsever to do with the fact the screamers aND their backers are breaking our laws.
I reject and resent MX Pres. Caldarone's interference when his own country's immigration/foreign resident policies are draconian compared to ours. I despise our own Pres cowardly pandering to such stupid and self-servng tactics. MX, start taking care of your own messes instead of passing them on to us.
If the Feds would enforce existing laws, states like AZ wouldn't have to pass essentially the SAME laws ro protect their LEGAL citizens and borders. I hope ALL states swiftly enact similar laws to crack down on the floodgates of illegal, unskilled, parasitic drains on our resources.
When more Hispanics realize they are the main ones who are being hurt by illegal immigration, even more than the general population, maybe we'll get somewhere. If any person, Hispanic, Black, White or all mixed ethnicity has a High School Education or less; they are in direct competition with illegals for jobs and the Law of Supply & Demand will drive down the wages of the entire group, no matter what race they are!
When more Hispanics realize they are the main ones who are being hurt by illigal immigration, even more than the general population, maybe we'll get somewhere. If any person, Hispanic, Black, White or all mixed ethnicity has a High School Education or less; they are in direct competition with illegals for jobs and the Law of Supply & Demand will drive down the wages of the entire group, no matter what race they are!
Bottom line is: we are a broken down country because of the mis-interpretation of our constitutional rights. From the start we had nothing but illegal migration from across the pond, nothing but thieves, outcasts invaded these Americas. The legal process of immigration is not being outlined, because the laziness of our "congress". Let them work legally (paid and taxed by each individual or agency that hires humans for wordk). We all (races) got started illegally someway or another. I am for the RED, WHITE, AND BLUE, STARS AND STRIPES ETC.... and not for these racist, radicals,supremacists, and so called bigot minutemen groups. The Europeans first squatted the land and then very carefully stole form the RIGHTEOUS NATIVES, AMERICAN INDIANS, MEXICAN INDIANS.
I could go on and on, but we would have to re-write 'HISTORY" (period).
Latinos, like any other group, are entitled to their differing opinions regarding SB1070, but make no mistake, they are all against discrimination, racial profiling and unequal law enforcement. Do not attempt to turn us against one another....cause our community will continue to unite against those who propose divisiveness and hatred for humans.
Arizona : the law that feeds on fear… which has nothing to do with reality.
Why you think illegal’s are drug-dealers? They are not, the drug dealer are legally visiting or citizens.
Why you assume they crossed the border “knowing” that it’s illegal? They didn’t know that, for many it was the only known way, is it fare to treat them like criminals?
Why you believe that illegal’s are taking away American jobs? – They are doing the jobs that American’s don’t do or want – many will rather claim their unemployment benefits.
Why you think are costing tax payer money? – The government uses only a fraction of what collects from them via Taxes and declarations – Yes, they also pay taxes believe it or not.
Latinos backing up this law? – Yes, there are irrational people among Latinos as well.
A divided country becomes weak, read history please!
This law is against Americans as well; whether you like it or not, so far 12% of the population is Hispanic and growing; any action against the Latino community is taken seriously by the rest of the “legally with right to vote” community, single people out based on their appearance, assume that they are illegal’s because you don’t like their how they look?, remember the first few words of the declaration of the independence; unfortunately for some, not all America are Anglo/ Caucasian background; when you are promoting a law against my friends, cousins, uncles, father or mother you are attempting against me – that’s how Hispanics think (white, brown or black – yes, all sizes, shapes and colors are included since Hispanic is a culture – not a race), that why you see all this young people expressing their opinion on the streets, like always, time will tell; I’m sure these lawmaker will pay the price in their political future. I’ll do my part when it is time for elections and I will protect the people, Don’t forget, we all came from another Continent, region or country.
Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not saying that it’s OK to come to the US Illegally, What I’m saying here is that many are doing it because of a “Survival” instinct, on a desperate move not to achieve the American dream but to avoid starvation and escape vicious circle for their children; treat them like criminal as soon as the sheriff Joe put his hands on them, it’s is so inhuman.
This country of legal citizens is sick of being sucked dry by illegals. I'm tired of organizations like la raza enabling these people to drain the American coffers. I have NEVER heard a politician or journalist with a hispanic surname condemn this
What! I think latinos should not support the Arizona Law they should go against it! This law is so racist! its a disgrace to all hispanics largely Mexicans.
Latino activists like to point to Cesar Chavez to further the cause of legalization. I knew Cesar personally and he was against illegal immigration. Cesar was very well aware union organizing would be undercut by an undocumented labor force.
I'm as white as Casper... if I'm stopped by johnny law for an infraction of the law you bet your bottom dollar johnny law will be asking me for proof of identification.... so why would it be wrong for an "illegal immigrant" to be asked for the same? its been like that for many years... cop stops ya then he asks for ID.... "license registration and insurance please" who has not heard that demand from johnny?? be they white blue pink black or brown... we all have heard it ..... this is not a racial thing...profiling is not in play here... the demand for proof of ID only comes into play if stopped for something else first...
Really SOME??? What is that like 1 in 50,000. Corrupt News Network never ceases to amaze me. They are the like of Fox News.
In 1956, my Mother came to the USA from Spain as a young bride of a US Army serviceman; my Father. She followed the path to citizenship: learned English, US history and government, etc. and became a citizen. She then learned to drive, got a drivers license and graduated from college ! I do not understand why people who are currently here illegally refuse to go through that same process and instead demand amnesty? If it's a matter of cost, I'd gladly contribute to a fund on my yearly tax return rather than to a Presidential election fund.
This argument was comical its like watching those two old man on the Muppets the fact is all this stuff is happening on the democrats watch along with the oil leak and the blame game towards the republicans wont hold water come November it's bean almost two years and things are getting worst not better .