Thread: Arizona or San Francisco: Which Path on Immigration?

Arizona or San Francisco: Which Path on Immigration?
by State Sen. Russell Pearce

05/12/2010

I am Arizona State Sen. Russell Pearce, the author of SB 1070 which was signed by Gov. Jan Brewer. Fear mongering and misinformation is the tool of the left against this common-sense legislation.

Paul Kantner of the 1960s rock band Jefferson Airplane once remarked, "San Francisco is 49 square miles surrounded by reality." When I first heard that San Francisco was planning to boycott Arizona over SB 1070, this description seemed apt.

However, when the neighboring Oakland City Council voted 7-0 to boycott Arizona last week, and President Pro Tem of the California State Senate Derrell Steinberg announced a campaign in the legislature to also boycott the state, it became clear that San Francisco is merely ahead of the California crazy curve.

Why did I propose SB 1070? I saw the enormous fiscal and social costs that illegal immigration was imposing on my state. I saw Americans out of work, hospitals and schools overflowing, and budgets strained. Most disturbingly, I saw my fellow citizens victimized by illegal-alien criminals.

The murder of Robert Krentz—whose family had been ranching in Arizona since 1907—by illegal-alien drug dealers was the final straw for many Arizonans. But there are dozens of other citizens of our state who have been murdered by illegal aliens. Currently 95 illegal aliens are in Maricopa County jail for murder. When do we stand up for Americans and the rule of law? If not now, when? We are a nation of laws, a constitutional republic.

Most of the hysterical critics of the bill do not even know what is in it. SB 1070 simply codifies federal law into state law and removes excuses and concerns about states’ inherent authority to enforce these laws and removes all illegal "sanctuary" policies.
The law does not allow police to stop suspected illegal aliens unless they have already come across them through normal "lawful conduct" such as a traffic stop, and explicitly prohibits racial profiling. Illegal is not a race, it is a crime.

Aside from the unfounded accusation of racial profiling, the chief complaint about the bill is that it infringes on federal jurisdiction by enforcing laws. Arizona did not make illegal, illegal. It is a crime to enter or remain in the U.S. in violation of federal law. States have had inherent authority to enforce immigration laws when the federal government has failed or refused to do so.

For all their newfound respect for the authority of federal immigration law, the open-borders advocates who oppose SB 1070 have no problems with "sanctuary cities" across the country that explicitly obstruct federal immigration authorities to protect illegal aliens, even though are illegal under federal law (8 USC 1644 & 1373.)

In 2008, San Francisco began a campaign to encourage illegal aliens to take advantage of the city's public services. Mayor Gavin Newsom stated, "We have worked with the Board of Supervisors, Department of Public Health, labor and immigrant rights groups to create a city government-wide public awareness campaign so that immigrants know the city won't target them for using city services."

The results were tragic. A few months after the campaign, Edwin Ramos, an illegal alien and member of the MS-13 gang, murdered San Francisco resident Tony Bologna and his two sons who he mistook for rival gang members. Ramos had a lengthy criminal record including a felony assault on a pregnant woman. He was arrested on gang and weapons charges and promptly released just three months before the murder. Not once did San Francisco report him to immigration authorities.

One month after the murder of Bologna, illegal alien Alexander Izaguirre stole Amanda Keifer's purse and then intentionally ran her over with an SUV, laughing as she hit the pavement and fractured her skull. Four months earlier, Alexander Izaguirre had been arrested for felony dealing of crack cocaine. Not only did San Francisco refuse to turn him over to immigration authorities, they expunged his record and helped get him a job, which is criminal in and of itself.

Keifer asked the obvious question, "If they've committed crimes and they're not citizens, then why are they here? Why haven't they been deported?"

The answer is that politicians like Gavin Newsom and Phoenix Mayor Gordon put the interests of illegal aliens before the safety of American citizens.

Our law is already working. One can just scan the newspapers and see dozens of headlines like "Illegal Immigrants Leaving Arizona Over New Law: Tough, Controversial New Legislation Scares Many in Underground Workforce Out of State."

In contrast, American citizens are leaving California. For the last four years, more Americans have left the state than have moved in.

In criticizing the SB 1070, Barack Obama said, "Our failure to act responsibly at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others." There is nothing irresponsible about enforcing our law, but President Obama is right in that this is only necessary because the federal government does not do its job.

But the solution is not "comprehensive-immigration reform," a euphemism for amnesty. This will only encourage more illegal immigration. And making illegal aliens legal does nothing to change the social and fiscal costs they impose on Arizona or the nation as a whole. The Heritage Foundation's research puts the cost of amnesty at over $2.5 trillion dollars.

The federal government simply needs to enforce its immigration laws by cracking down on employers of illegal aliens, securing our borders, and deporting illegal-alien criminals.

This legislation in Arizona will be a model for states across the nation and the federal government, it will end illegal immigration to America, but President Obama is looking towards San Francisco instead.

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=36950

State Senator Russell Pearce represents Arizona?s 18th Legislative District.

Arizona or San Francisco: Which Path on Immigration?

The answer lies in another question: Which state (Cal or Az) is most likely to go bankrupt in the next 18 months? Now Arizona has its problems, budget-wise, but it is trying to address them. Curtailing the SCHIP program was one step. The new law on illegal immigration is another. One way or another I believe Arizona will bring their budget under control. I do not see California taking the hard steps. It is their over-spending on social programs and overly generous payrolls/retirement programs for state employees that have them in their current situation. Tolerating sanctuary cities is a major part of this mix. So which Path on Immigration? The nation should follow Arizona's lead. It can fix some of the basic causes of crime, violence, and budget issues in the nation, as well as in Arizona. But Obama and his crowd are sure to opt for the San Francisco model because it promotes socialism. Obama and the Chicago Mob, Inc have not demonstrated any real zeal for fixing problems anyway.

i will go to arizona before i ever get close to San Fran-sicko

May 15, 2010
Why Russell Pearce wrote Arizona's common sense illegal immigration law
Ethel C. Fenig

Not that it will matter to--or be understood by--the closed minded progressives, but Arizona State Senator Russell Pearce (R) clearly spells out in Front Page Magazine exactly why he authored Arizona's SB1070, otherwise known as the law dealing with illegal immigrants.

I saw the enormous fiscal and social costs that illegal immigration was imposing on my state. I saw Americans out of work, hospitals and schools overflowed, and budgets strained. Most disturbingly, I saw my fellow citizens victimized by illegal alien criminals. (snip) When do we stand up for Americans and the rule of law? If not now, when? We are a nation of laws, a Constitutional Republic.

And being a Constitutional Republic the law does not violate the constitutional rights of illegals but rather enhances the rights of legal residents as Pearce carefully explains to those "hysterical critics" who don't take the time to know what it's about. (Yes, Eric Holder, yes Rep Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), yes, Highland Park HS administrators and others, he's talking to you.)

SB1070 simply codifies federal law into state law and removes excuses and concerns about states' inherent authority to enforce these laws and removes all illegal "sanctuary" policies.
Got that--the bill codifies federal law in Arizona!

Now here is what it does not do.

The law does not allow police to stop suspected illegal aliens unless they have already come across them through normal "lawful conduct" such as a traffic stop, and explicitly prohibits racial profiling. Illegal is not a race, it is a crime.

Arizona did not make illegal, illegal. It is a crime to enter or remain in the U.S. in violation of federal law. States have had inherent authority to enforce immigration laws when the federal government has failed or refused to do so.

For all those foaming mouths whining that Arizona's law is illegal, Pearce pointedly remarks

For all their newfound respect for the authority of federal immigration law, the open borders advocates who oppose SB 1070 have no problems with "sanctuary cities" across the country that explicitly obstruct federal immigration authorities to protect illegal aliens, even though are illegal under federal law (8 USC 1644 & 1373.) (snip) politicians like (San Francisco mayor) Gavin Newsom and Phoenix Mayor Gordon put the interests of illegal aliens before the safety of American citizens.

What about federal law against illegals? Yes, what about it?

In criticizing the SB 1070, Barack Obama said, "Our failure to act responsibly at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others." There is nothing irresponsible about enforcing our law, but President Obama is right in that this is only necessary because the federal government does not do its job.

The federal government simply needs to enforce its immigration laws by cracking down on employers of illegal aliens, securing our borders, and deporting illegal alien criminals.

If the measure requires Arizona to "enforce its immigrations laws"so other states will follow then, Pearce believes

Arizona will be a model for states across the nation and the federal government, it will end illegal immigration to America, but President Obama is looking towards San Francisco instead.

While Obama is looking towards San Francisco for guidance, apparently 73% of this country are looking towards Arizona as a model according to a Pew Research poll.

Fully 73% say they approve of requiring people to produce documents verifying their legal status if police ask for them. Two-thirds (67%) approve of allowing police to detain anyone who cannot verify their legal status, while 62% approve of allowing police to question people they think may be in the country illegally.

There are, as expected, differences in support for Arizona's law between Democrats and Republicans, young and old. 45% of Democrats agree with the law while 46% don't; however 65% of Democrats agree people should have the proper documents proving legal status; 55% agree the police should be able to hold anyone unable to prove such status.

Republicans and independents have no problem with the law and all its elements.

Fewer than half (45%) of those younger than 30 approve of the new law while 47% disapprove. Majorities of older age groups - including 74% of those 65 and older - approve of the law.

However, even most young people approve of requiring people to produce documents verifying their legal status; 61% approve of this element of the law while 35% disapprove. Larger percentages of older age groups support this provision.

Is Obama talking to himself?

Just 25% approve of the way Obama is handling the issue, while more than twice as many (54%) disapprove. That is little changed from last month (29% approve) and down slightly from last November (31%).

No Obama isn't talking to himself, he's talking to other closed minded progressives, liberals, lefties, whatever. The other 75% of the nation disagrees with them.

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/201 ... arizo.html

I am a Native Californian, a Native American, a Native San Franciscan. Let me say DO NOT take the route San Francisco has taken -- in the name of GOD DO NOT. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the Mayor "let me screw you" Newsom instituted San Francisco as a city of refuge for all illegals 8 years ago. Since then this city has become feces strewn, crime ridden, lawless, filthy, city in which 8 out of 10 automobile accidents are caused by illegal aliens without insurance -- who flee the scene. The San Francisco police are under orders to NOT ARREST any illegal alien no matter what. They can steal, kill, rape, pillage, urinate in front of you and the San Francisco police officers "observe, yawn and eat another fajita."

Jobless? Do not even think of applying for a job in San Francisco if you are not Chinese of Spanish speaking. The city government will not hire you unless you are bi-lingual. If you are Latino this is your city come here and dine for free, get a job that pays well and where you can take bribes by the bag full. If you are an American Citizen but not Latino, DO NOT follow San Francisco's example ever. This city has degenerated into a corrupt, lawless, pigsty of cockfighting and drug dealers and low riders from Hell. Save yourselves and your families -- it is too late for us here in San Francisco.

Originally Posted by MarkB

I am a Native Californian, a Native American, a Native San Franciscan. Let me say DO NOT take the route San Francisco has taken -- in the name of GOD DO NOT. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the Mayor "let me screw you" Newsom instituted San Francisco as a city of refuge for all illegals 8 years ago. Since then this city has become feces strewn, crime ridden, lawless, filthy, city in which 8 out of 10 automobile accidents are caused by illegal aliens without insurance -- who flee the scene. The San Francisco police are under orders to NOT ARREST any illegal alien no matter what. They can steal, kill, rape, pillage, urinate in front of you and the San Francisco police officers "observe, yawn and eat another fajita."

Jobless? Do not even think of applying for a job in San Francisco if you are not Chinese of Spanish speaking. The city government will not hire you unless you are bi-lingual. If you are Latino this is your city come here and dine for free, get a job that pays well and where you can take bribes by the bag full. If you are an American Citizen but not Latino, DO NOT follow San Francisco's example ever. This city has degenerated into a corrupt, lawless, pigsty of cockfighting and drug dealers and low riders from Hell. Save yourselves and your families -- it is too late for us here in San Francisco.

Hello neighbor. It makes me sad to see what has happened to this beautiful city over that last several years. You forgot to mention that innocent families get shot in the street by gang members who should not even be in the City.

San Francisco started taking the wrong turn years ago. Not only is it the land of fruits and nuts, now they have rolled out the welcome mat to illegal aliens. Hope Mayor Newsom like what a mess his new guest do to a once beautiful city.

Yes BigTex it is true San Francisco's politicians do not listen to the people here. I have fought for my city and my state for years but these illegal lover laws are NOT passed by the people my friend. The people of California pass laws at referendums that outlaw illegal aliens and demand enforcement, but politicians and courts overturn those laws. It is our subtle politician serpents who screw us every way and sunday.

67% of Californians -- 57% of San Franciscans -- support Arizona's laws but we are all -- ALL OF US -- ignored by politicians in San Francisco, Sacramento, Washington DC and maybe even in Texas... This is a national problem and right now "I am an Arizonan" as well as a Californian. United we must stand or surely divided we will fall. We need to stop labeling each other, sneering and pretending "our sheet don't stink." We must pull together and fight this crap together. If not friend, you in Texas and me in California will soon be living in the concentration camps of Atzlan (Mexico's term for the southwest United States) whether we are nuts, fruits, vegetables or just Texas size burritos wearing a 10 gallon hat...

LA RAZA is in every southwest state, strong and influential. Unlike us, they are totally UNITED in their war goals. They do not call each other nuts and fruits, nor do they feel any of them deserve anything less than being land barons that take over our nation. Miguel Perez, President of Cal-State Northridge's MEChA chapter is the same kind of LA RAZA you will find living in Texas right now. He said, "The ultimate ideology is the liberation of Aztlan. Communism would be closest. Once Aztlan is established, ethnic cleansing would commence: Non-Chicanos would have to be expelled -- opposition groups would be quashed because you have to keep power." These people mean business, they are united, focussed and relentless in their agenda and in watching each other's backs... maybe we can all take an example from them on that.

redpony353 thanks yes everyone should know San Francisco is a shooting gallery at night. Yips and yells in spanish with gun fire. If you go to any area of the city with a Latino population you become target practice. Like I said -- American brothers and sisters -- DO NOT let what happened in San Francisco happen in your community. Fight illegals now, deport, fine and prison time business that hire them, enforce laws.

I think California is going to have much more financial problems than Arizona. Schwarzenager knows that his state is in trouble financially because of the illegal sanctuary that California has become.

Despite any budget cutbacks, any business plan of running California needs to be scrapped and the business model needs to be changed - immediately. Anyone looking thru your financial books could clearly see column A with this many residents, column B with this much money needed, and column C with this much revenue coming in from said residents, could see that column A and C are so skewed -- it doesn't take a genius to figure out there are a bunch of freeloaders in your state messing up everything and your state is going down the tubes and fast! Arnold needs to be a real Terminator (couldn't resist) and get rid of the sanctuary laws.

There are so many people in upside down financial situations of their own doing, it is a no-brainer to see that many states turning a blind eye to what is going on (more people, more money needed, and less revenue coming in) sees it all coming to a screeching halt.

And they'll probably forget all the bad things they said to Arizona by then, cuz they'll be too busy trying to fix their own problems.

Illegal Immigration. It's not about race. It's about geography.

San Francisco or Arizona? www.alipac.us/article3479.html

Hey Arizona, anybody that doesn't want to come to Arizona, you're better off without the bums.