Illinois congressman fighting anti-immigration bill – in Arizona
by Josh Lederman
April 22, 2010


U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez is fighting an anti-immigration bill he finds unjust and destructive – that’s no surprise. But the bill is in Arizona, and Gutierrez represents Illinois.

In the national debate on immigration reform, Gutierrez, a Chicago Democrat, has long been one of the most vocal politicians, advocating comprehensive reform that both discourages companies from hiring undocumented immigrants and provides a path to legalization. Yet in becoming a central voice against legislation in a state far from his district, he’s triggered the praise of some and the scorn of others.

At issue is a controversial bill passed the Arizona Senate on Monday that would enable police to question anyone they reasonably suspect is in the country illegally, and to charge people with trespassing for being in Arizona without proper documentation.

Critics say the bill invites racial profiling, but proponents say it fills the void the federal government has created by not addressing immigration or enforcing current law.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has until Saturday to sign the bill into law, veto it or do nothing and let it become law without her signature. A spokeswoman for the governor said Thursday that no decision has been made.

In recent weeks Gutierrez has given countless television and print interviews, penned an editorial and released a statement pushing Brewer to veto the bill. It’s a move that raises the question of which government entities should be making and enforcing immigration policy.

“The federal government is in charge of immigration, period,â€