The Supreme Court struck down much of the Arizona immigration law SB1070, but upheld the controversial "show me your papers" part of it.
Governor Jen Brewer was happy with the partial victory. Now police there still have a right to check a person's immigration status while enforcing the law if "reasonable suspicion" exists that the person is in the US illegally.
Though I wonder just how these cops will define "reasonable suspicion" when they are on the job.
"Civil rights will be protected and racial profiling will not be tolerated," said Governor Brewer, who then added that cops are not supposed to solely consider race, color or nation of origin.
But it seems as though this law requires officers to do just that. Isn't that the whole point of it? They want to weed out people of a certain race, who are from a particular country of origin and are not here legally. There is no way to avoid racial profiling. I doubt they will harass just as many white, blue-eyed, blond-haired people about their citizenship.
I'm not blaming the police officers. They have to uphold the law, but how can they do that without trampling on the rights of all the people they "suspect" to be illegal immigrants. Not all of them will be.
How will these cops avoid unfairly questioning American citizens who are Mexican or citizens who even just look Mexican. President Barack Obama said he remains "concerned about the practical impact" of the law and that "No American should ever live under a cloud of suspicion just because of what they look like." He's right.
What do you think of this law?
Images via tolomea/Flickr
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Comments 63
I think if you're here legally then you have nothing to worry about.
Hate me if you want, but I find it amusing that the Hispanic community demands special treatment and immunity from enforcement of the law. You never see La Raza crying, say, for illegal African immigrants fleeing real genocide. Nope, it's all about special treatment from them and therefore their cries are null and void.
Hmmm, aren't YOU using "racial profiling" when you assume that if you have blonde hair, blue eyes and fair skin that you are a citizen?
Arizona has a MASSIVE problem with illegals. And most of those illegals are coming over the border from Mexico, and many of those causing the problems ARE Mexican. And LOOK like Mexicans. So those who are going to be busted for illegal activity under this law are likely going to look that way.
Having said that, if the US Government would DO THEIR FREAKING JOB and enforce THEIR OWN LAWS, instead of prosecuting those who are trying to do just that. This is a pathetic turn of events. The Arizona Law paralleled the federal law that was not being enforced. Our lovely Federal Government has abdicated its responsibilities - they have turned their backs on their CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY to "provide for the common defense" (that means that they're supposed to defend the country against invasion of any kind).
Illegals are from many countries - not just Mexico.
I completely understand that Arizona needs an immigration enforcement law because of their connection to the border, but IMO I would be pissed if I was in Arizona visiting my relatives (all born US Citizens) and I was asked for proof of my citizenship just because I obviously look Hispanic. I was born and raised in California and I am proud to be an American, but this is Bull shit.