Thread: Border debate splits Arizonans

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Border debate splits Arizonans

Leaders emerge to voice opposing views on illegal immigration, Prop. 200

Robbie Sherwood
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 10, 2005 12:00 AM

As Arizona's conflagration over illegal immigration rages, two figures shout across the political divide like generals of opposing armies.

They are the provocateurs. Two veteran politicos providing the sound bites and talking points for divided Arizonans to debate the effects, both positive and negative, of the state's immigration explosion.

Former state Sen. Alfredo Gutierrez uses a Spanish-language radio station, calling for amnesty for undocumented workers and political reform in Latin America to fight the poverty that drives the migration.

Rep. Russell Pearce uses his position as House Appropriations Committee chairman, and a non-stop speaking schedule, to call for a militarized border and to expand efforts to shut off services for non-citizens.

You'll be seeing much more of them as the debate over immigration grows even louder.

Federal and state law enforcement officials will gather Tuesday in Flagstaff to brainstorm efforts to curb crime associated with illegal immigration. But it's Pearce and Gutierrez, neither invited to the table, who could do more to drive an intense year of activism and action over illegal immigration leading up to the 2006 election.


About Proposition 200
Proposition 200 requires state and local employees to confirm and report the immigration status of people applying for public benefits. Employees must turn undocumented immigrants in to immigration authorities or face a prosecution, up to four months in jail and a $750 fine.

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard has said the measure applies to only five programs that provide eyesight services and help with utility repairs, among other public programs.

The measure requires proof of citizenship when you register to vote. Any of these documents are acceptable: Arizona driver's license number or non-operating identification license issued after Oct. 1, 1996; copy of a birth certificate; copy of U.S. passport; U.S. naturalization certificate number or Bureau of Indian Affairs card number; tribal treaty card number or tribal enrollment number.

You eventually will be required to show ID when casting a ballot at the polling place. This provision isn't being carried out yet. You'll have to wait to find out exactly what forms of ID will be acceptable to present at the polls. It will affect all Arizonans, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Nov. 2: Voters approved the anti-illegal immigration measure by an 11 percent margin.

Nov. 12: Responding to an opinion request from AHCCCS, Goddard said the measure applies only to public "welfare" benefits, services defined under Title 46's welfare section of state law, already subject to federal eligibility restrictions.

Nov. 18: Randy Pullen, his Yes on Proposition 200 committee and the Federation for American Immigration Reform filed a special action in Maricopa County Superior Court challenging Goddard's interpretation and seeking to expand the measure to include other government benefits.

Nov. 22: Secretary of State Jan Brewer officially certified the election results, clearing the way for Gov. Janet Napolitano to issue the proclamation making Proposition 200 law.

For questions: Office of Arizona Secretary of State: 1-877-THE-VOTE, (602) 542-4285 or web site, or Maricopa County Elections Department: (602) 506-1511 or web site.

The People of Arizona have spoken. Now carry out their Will or get out of government work.

The "immigration" debate in Arizona is over. The People Won Their Own Referendum. They want illegals off the dole which means they want them out of Arizona.

Now, do your jobs and get them off the dole and out of your state.