On Friday Gov. Jan Brewer of Arizona signed a bill on illegal immigration that aims to identify and deport illegal immigrants. It has been a popular topic of discussion for the way it will attempt to do this.
Many say this is a step back in immigration reform because it promotes racial profiling. President Obama is one of its many critics. He said:
“The actions by the Arizona legislature threaten “to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans.”
“Our failure to act responsibly at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others,” Obama said at a Rose Garden naturalization ceremony for 24 members of the U.S. military. “That includes, for example, the recent efforts in Arizona.”
The law, which is expected to take effect in August, would make the failure to carry immigration documents a crime and give the police the power to detain anyone suspected of being in the country illegally.
It would also make it a misdemeanor to not carry immigration papers. Additionally, it would allow people to sue local government if they believe state immigration law is not being enforced.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon said it “opens the door to intolerance and hatred” and it’s “a violation of human rights.”
It will be interesting to see in what ways people will continue to speak out against/for this law. Maybe, a higher Hispanic voter turnout? A higher conservative voter turnout? How will Obama act?
One of many controversies to come I’m sure…
