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Sweeping new anti-immigrant measure passes in Arizona

DARA KELLY,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 8:35 AM

Updated Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 8:45 AM

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A new ant-immigrant measure has passed in Arizona

Arizona lawmakers approved the most sweeping measure in the nation against illegal immigrants Tuesday, directing local police to now also become immigration officers, making the determination as to whether people are in the country legally or not a critical part of their daily brief.

The measure, decried as mandated racial profiling by immigrants rights groups, was long been sought by opponents of illegal immigration, and passed 35 to 21 in the state House of Representatives Tuesday. Republican Governor Jan Brewer is expected to sign the bill.

Unsurprisingly, the police themselves are deeply divided on the matter, with police unions backing it but the state police chief's association opposing the bill, contending that it will erode trust with immigrants who could be potential witnesses.

Immigrant rights groups were utterly horrified, and contended that Arizona would be 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 new bill makes it a misdemeanor to lack proper immigration paperwork in Arizona. It also requires police officers, if they form a reasonable suspicion that someone is an illegal immigrant, to determine the person's immigration status.

Opponents asked how officers untrained in immigration law could determine who is in the country legally? They noted that though the bill says race cannot solely be used to form a suspicion about a person's legality, it implicitly allows it to be a factor.

'A lot of U.S. citizens are going to be swept up in the application of this law for something as simple as having an accent and leaving their wallet at home,' said Alessandra Soler Meetze, president of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona.

Privately, police officers on the ground now worry that the new bill will drive a wedge between themselves and Arizona's undocumented communities that will erode their abilities to pursue crime, question suspects or gain the community's trust.

Nster.com

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shidoobe | Apr 30, 2010, 10:55 AM EDT

THE SIGN SAYS IT ALL "Close the Borders now"!!!

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phoenixnurse | Apr 15, 2010, 06:51 PM EDT

They'll be driving to New Jersy in their Escalades, and SUV'S with their "stolen identities" and get on your welfare rolls...We are experts about all of this in Arizona, and trust me they've been running for the hills since this past January. This load coming in are criminals, and that's difficult to deal with, drugs, Kidnappings, Human smuggling...It's big money for the coyotes and cartels and finally something is being done...

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Southernpride | Apr 15, 2010, 06:04 PM EDT

Excellent news

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plasticpaddy | Apr 15, 2010, 05:37 PM EDT

allentown, because it is stupid and backwards, thats why!

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allentown | Apr 15, 2010, 01:44 PM EDT

When Arizona passed a mandatory E-Verify law for all businesses in Arizona, 50,000 illegal aliens left and drove to New Jersey. Now, probably 100,000 illegal aliens will leave Arizona and drive to New Jersey. Already, New Jersey spends over 2.1 billion dollars per year on illegal aliens and their children. Why is Govenor Christie not attacking the cost of illegal aliens on the New Jersey taxpayers?

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phoenixnurse | Apr 15, 2010, 11:33 AM EDT

Keep in mind in the Southwest, it is the Hispanic Population..The laws of our land should apply to every country and person coming here. Most of these illegals can be divided into two groups. Criminals and simply decent, humble people who want to come here to better their lives and work. They are "Hard Workers". This is the group that needs a real pathway to citizenship, these are the folks being exploited by employers and coyotes and encouraged by the Mexican Govt. to come here illegally. We need a guest worker program that will provide them someday with that opportunity for citizenship. There are alos those in great danger living in the little towns being overtaken by the Cartels, murdering the police and innocent people. They are running in fear for their lives, they have done nothing wrong, these are folks America should offer assylum. Mexico needs to get with the program and take some action on that border.

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Monsoonman | Apr 15, 2010, 10:18 AM EDT

A country must enforce its borders, language and culture in order to preserve its identity, otherwise it is no longer a country. For the uninformed among us: A COYOTE is a human smuggler who transports illegals across the US border. The going rate is 5,000-10,000 per illegal.

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Watchman | Apr 15, 2010, 09:26 AM EDT

Unsurprisingly, this has become a debate about hispanic illegal immigrants and their impact on society in Arizona. And it is hard not to be depressed by what it reveals. I assume that most, if not all, of those taking part consider themselves Irish Americans. Now then ... given that Irish America in general, and the Voice in particular, supports immigration reform – i.e. an easier route to jobs and citizenship for the undocumented Irish – it is clear that we have a problem. Irish Americans (in general – I'm not saying everyone) don't want more Mexicans to be admitted to this country. They believe, when push comes to shove, that Mexicans are more likely to commit crimes than other people; they think Mexicans steal "our" jobs; one respondent even compares them to coyotes. The Irish want stern action to be taken against Mexicans. In the words of TaranOConner (see below), they should Get Out And Stay Out. Cut now to the latest march by the "Undocumented Irish" (they're not illegal. Oh no. They just "forgot" to bring their papers with them). What do they want? Amnesty and a free-ride. And when do they want it? Now. I put it to you ... the Irish (and I am one of you) have some neck. If Hilary Clinton reads the Voice, she must be ashamed.

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phoenixnurse | Apr 15, 2010, 08:38 AM EDT

For our friend who drives by places in Chandler and Mesa each week, he forgot to mention, the last police chief was Hispanic and Pro-Amnesty.. he lasted a year and was forced to retire and go back to Calif! He tied the hands of law enforcement and ended up leaving. The new Chief was well received and comes from a prestigous law enforcement family locally and was the "Top Choice" by Mesa's City Council. Law enforcement deserves every tool possible to do their job effectively and insure their own personal safety. Understand, not all illegals are violent criminals, there are many decent humble people, and unfortunately they are exploited by coyotes and special interest groups... there is a better pathway to allow them to come here safely, it's just going to take some time. It's the police chiefs who are saying it's racial profiling not the officers...it's not rocket science for an officer to question people regarding their citizenship, police officers are professional and even more careful when it comes to illegals because they are totally aware of being challenged!

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TaranOconner | Apr 15, 2010, 02:40 AM EDT

Hooray for Arizona!! It's about time somebody got the Guts to help stop the USA being bled dry by the Illegal Riff Raff! There are procedures in place to become a LEGAL Immigrant---USE THEM or GET OUT and STAY OUT!

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phoenixnurse | Apr 14, 2010, 10:44 PM EDT

Police and Sheriff's dept. have been under scrutiny in Maricopa County for trying to do their jobs. Much deliberate civil disobedience from these anti-immigration groups out in the streets creating all types of havic with their radical protesting and anti-american slogans. There is an approprite way to put forth a legitimate guest work program for those wishing to work, better their lives and intergrate into our country. The hands of the police have been tied...and there are no more visible illegals on the streets, they are all hiding...put on your glasses and get it right! It has impacted crime, check out the latest rapes, murder of the last three police officers and ofcourse the Rancher in Douglas. Get off the Kool Aid Buddyboy...wake up and check out the PLEA website..it will bring you up to speed!

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Ajreaper | Apr 14, 2010, 10:00 PM EDT

PFPFPFPF what a bunch of crap! I drive by places in Chandler and Mesa every week where dozens of people gather everyday for rides to day jobs and a great many of those are not here legally and every one knows it to include the police and they never do a thing becuase these folks by and large just want to work not be criminals. And nurse dear it's the police saying they are not trained in immigration law so I'll believe them on this one. This will not have any affect on the crime rate nor will it stem the tide of illegal immigration it's something that looks and sounds like a big deal but it's just pissing in the ocean thinking your raising the level of high tide.

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phoenixnurse | Apr 14, 2010, 06:29 PM EDT

ALl of the Police Depts., Sheriff Depts. in the State of Arizona are well trained in Immigration....just as Texas and New Mexico are. THis has been going on for years! It is not "NEW"... the burden to law enforcement is NOT being able to enforce the laws on the books,and protect the citizens! Illegal Immigration brings a higher crime rate to any community. We have policemen being murdered by illegals... THis law is way overdue and will prove it's value in crime reduction.

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IrishAndProud | Apr 14, 2010, 03:44 PM EDT

That may (partly) be the case, Ajreaper...but if politicians are doing it simply to get re-elected, then it clearly shows where they think the public sentiments lie on this issue, does it not? And every single poll would back them up, too...although I must add, simply practicing common sense and A) enforcing our CURRENT laws and B) giving our law enforcement the necessary resources to carry it out would indeed be a good starting point.

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rpmschevy | Apr 14, 2010, 03:44 PM EDT

Congrats Ariz. I am not sure about all the rules in this passage, but a verification process is real simple. If the Police arrest someone, a quick check of the USCIS will confirm if the person is here legally or not. Call ICE, deport, and Arizona and America are saved thousands of dollars.

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