Thread: N.M.: Immigration problems could migrate east

Immigration problems could migrate east
By Ben Scheer/Special to the Sun-News
Posted: 05/09/2010 11:32:43 PM MDT

LAS CRUCES — Effects of an Arizona immigration law could spill into New Mexico, some border residents fear, and the topic is a contentious one in the state's gubernatorial race.

Arizona Senate Bill 1070, which was recently signed into law, is designed to better control illegal immigration in that state. Many illegal immigrants could head toward a friendlier workplace nearby, represented by New Mexico.

New Mexico law is thought by many to be lenient toward illegal immigrants. William Mattiace, son of the former Las Cruces mayor, who works in public relations for local politicians, said it is too easy for illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses in New Mexico, which can lead to other documents, such as Social Security cards and passports. Still, he called the Arizona bill "too harsh."

In a statement, Diane Denish, current lieutenant governor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate, said Arizona's policies go too far, although she acknowledges the need for comprehensive immigration reform that keeps authority at the federal level.

"Here in New Mexico, we value our diversity ... we cannot give government a free pass to racially profile and infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens. We're better than that here in New Mexico," Denish said.

Doña Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez, one of five Republicans running for governor, has a near-opposite position. According to her campaign manager, Adam Deguire, due to inadequate federal immigration law, Martinez supports any state's right to deal directly with immigration and border issues. He said, "Martinez believes we must implement fundamental reforms such as revoking driver's licenses for illegal immigrants, opposing free tuition through taxpayer-funded lottery scholarships for those in the country illegally and end the sanctuary policy that prevents state police from inquiring about the immigration status of criminals."

Las Cruces police spokesman Dan Trujillo said the police just ask for driver's licenses and registration and don't deal with immigration status.

After June 1, the police in Arizona will have very different and broadened responsibilities.

"Any lawful contact made by a law enforcement official or agency of the state (Arizona) ... where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States, a reasonable attempt shall be made ... to determine the immigration status of the person," SB1070.

The wording of the Senate bill is, to many people, ambiguous. "Lawful contact" has drawn much scrutiny, as has " reasonable suspicion."

Senate Bill 1070 was prompted in part by the murder of Arizona rancher, Robert Krentz, by an assailant who was thought to be an illegal immigrant. The murder scene was 25 miles from the Arizona border with Mexico, which the assailant is thought to have crossed after killing Krentz on March 27.

The murder sparked citizens of Arizona, and throughout the U.S., to call for stricter border security, and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed SB1070 less than one month after the murder.

http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_15052783

State enforcement is going to spread.

Originally Posted by Richard

State enforcement is going to spread.

I really hope you are right Richard. Arizona's new immigration law is the best thing I have seen in many, many years to curb illegal immigration.
We can hope that it will spread all across this country so that we can finally start to take our country back.
It will have to be the States because the Federal Government only wants Amnesty for all those who have broken our laws to come here and work here illegally.