Thread: Arizona passes strict illegal immigration act

By Nicholas Riccardi

April 13, 2010 | 2:49 p.m.

Reporting from Denver
Arizona lawmakers on Tuesday approved what foes and supporters agree is the toughest measure in the country against undocumented immigrants, making it a crime to be an illegal immigrant in Arizona and allowing local police to determine whether people are in the country legally.

The measure, long sought by opponents of illegal immigration, passed in the state House of Representatives. The state Senate passed a similar measure earlier this year, and Republican Gov. Jan Brewer, who has not spoken publicly about the issue, is expected to sign the bill.

The bill's author, State Sen. Russell Pearce, said the law simply "takes the handcuffs off of law enforcement and lets them do their job."

But police were deeply divided on the matter, with police unions backing it but the state police chief's association opposed the bill, contending it could erode trust with immigrants who could be potential witnesses.

Immigrant rights groups were horrified, and contended that Arizona had just been transformed into a police state.

"It's beyond the pale," said Chris Newman, legal director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. "It appears to mandate racial profiling."

The bill prevents any government agency from formulating policies to prevent enforcement of immigration laws and permits citizens to sue if they believe a law enforcement agency is failing to enforce the law.

It requires law enforcement officers who have a "reasonable suspicion" that someone is an illegal immigrant to determine that person's immigration status "when practicable." Previously, police who wanted to inquire about immigration status could only do it after stopping people for possibly violating other laws.

A provision in the bill states that race or ethnicity cannot be the sole grounds for asking about immigration status, but civil rights groups note that authorities are not barred from using them along with other factors that raise suspicions.

The measure also makes it illegal to solicit work as a day laborer or to hire day laborers.

nicholas.riccardi@latimes.com
Copyright © 2010, The Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld ... 7282.story

"It's beyond the pale," said Chris Newman, legal director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. "It appears to mandate racial profiling."

Goodness, when will the illegal lovers ever get it straight? Hispanic is NOT a race, and an immigrant is one who came here legally. Those who crawl across the border are illegal aliens and are criminals -- period!
Perhaps Mr. Newman should consider his organization's defense of illegal aliens as aiding and abetting!

added to the homepage with new title and note


ALIPAC NOTE: All ALIPAC supporters are asked to forward a copy of this article to all of their state lawmakers with a personalized request for similar legislation in each state. Arizona has raised the bar and given us the national precedent we need for all states. It is up to you to make sure word of this legislation and word of your support for this legislation reaches your state lawmakers as soon as possible. Write them and follow up with a phone call.


A Victory! Arizona passes strictest illegal immigration act!
http://www.alipac.us/article5127.html

One down, 49 to go. This bill puts bite into our existing laws while adding safeguards against those who would try and circumvent the law.

WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!

Originally Posted by ICEstorm

By Nicholas Riccardi

Immigrant rights groups were horrified, and contended that Arizona had just been transformed into a police state.

"It's beyond the pale," said Chris Newman, legal director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. "It appears to mandate racial profiling."

The bill prevents any government agency from formulating policies to prevent enforcement of immigration laws and permits citizens to sue if they believe a law enforcement agency is failing to enforce the law.

It requires law enforcement officers who have a "reasonable suspicion" that someone is an illegal immigrant to determine that person's immigration status "when practicable." Previously, police who wanted to inquire about immigration status could only do it after stopping people for possibly violating other laws.

Suck it, "immigrant rights" groups! Now if only we could get that in California. In Los Angeles they have this idiotic Special Order 40, which prohibits the police from asking for someone's immigration status even after they've arrested the person.

Great for Arizona!!!! If only CA. would do the same maybe the illegals would go back home where they belong!!! I only wish all the other states would do the same. Regards, Bob.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GOOD FOLKS OF ARIZONA...

Sincerely
TBOW

Finally a state that represents its people and their wants.

Immigrant rights groups were horrified, and contended that Arizona had just been transformed into a police state.

"It's beyond the pale," said Chris Newman, legal director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. "It appears to mandate racial profiling."

National day laborer network! No wonder he's horrified! Guess what Chris, hopefully, they'll be coming for your @$$ next! You have been actively engaged in a criminal conspiracy, to defraud and cheat the American people out of work which rightfully belongs to them - through the actions of your criminal enterprise!!!!!

Way to go Arizona! California needs to be next!

But police were deeply divided on the matter, with police unions backing it but the state police chief's association opposed the bill, contending it could erode trust with immigrants who could be potential witnesses.

Hopefully, they will be deported before they witness one of their illegal invader brethren commit a crime!!! GET TO WORK!

This is a great day for this country and the people of Arizona!

"It appears to mandate racial profiling."

Illegal is not a race! This Chris Newman character becomes less appealing each time he opens his mouth!