Utahn’s For Political PeaceSenate Bill 1070: Arizona

By Group Seven member: Ashlee Thomas

What is all the controversy over?

Before Senate Bill 1070 was passed and then signed on April 23rd, 2010 by Governor Jan Brewer, no one knew what they were doing over in old Arizona. But this bill has awakened people not only to Arizona, but again to immigration reform. This bill and what it represents to people across the nation, whether for it or against it, has in the last few weeks become more and more evident. Whether your supporting this law or opposing it, do you know what it says? Do you know what your arguing for? The New York Times sums the bill up plainly and eloquently:

“Police and other law enforcement officials, while enforcing other laws, to question a person's immigration status upon "reasonable suspicion" that they are in the state illegally. The law also makes it a crime for a person not to produce an identification if asked to do so by the police. It broadens the rights of citizens to sue state and local agencies they believe are hindering immigration policies and makes it unlawful for such agencies to have policies that restrict enforcement of federal laws.” Do you think this law is reasonable, or does it go too far?

Time for reform?

In 2007 the Bush administration attempted to resolve the United States immigration policy. The Republican Party nearly split over the issue. It is now 2010 and little more has been done by the federal government to fix the growing problem. And according to the New York Times, “States across the country have proposed or enacted hundreds of bills addressing immigration since 2007.” Even more states plan to propose bills similar to that of Arizona in the upcoming session, including Utah. It is apparent to both sides that states across the Nation are frustrated with the limited and inadequate role the Federal Government has played in Immigration, and that reform is seriously needed. President Obama has spoken out against the law, saying it, “Undermines basic notions of fairness.” The president, a large majority of democrats, and the opposition in general think the federal government should determine immigration policy. While Governor Brewer, republicans, and of course the supporters feel states must take control where the federal government hasn’t. What is clear and to be expected is that reform is coming into view and light is being shed on a serious problem many states are facing. What isn’t quite as lucid is what the new policy will be and whether or not states or the federal government will determine the policy.

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Supporters hold to the fact that Phoenix Arizona has speedily become the kidnapping capital of the nation in just a year. In 2009 Arizona was second only to Mexico, whose drug cartel is steadily spreading into the U.S. When Governor Jan Brewer linked illegal immigration to the dramatic increase in kidnapping, drug smuggling, beheading, and violence the opposition smoldered. Firing back the opposition alleged that there isn’t sufficient evidence to support these claims. That in order to give these claims any sort of validity they would need to know how many undocumented aliens cross the border. So, according to the supporters of Senate Bill 1070, it was created by the Arizona government to combat an ever growing immigration, violence, and social problem. While supporters and the opposition disagree on what steps to take and ultimately how to approach the issue both can agree that reform is ominous.

Supporters

The latest polls show sixty percent of the American public supports Arizona and Senate Bill 1070. Byron York, the chief correspondent for The Washington Examiner speaks for a large group of people when he says, “Has anyone actually read the law? Contrary to the talk, it is a reasonable, limited, carefully-crafted measure designed to help law enforcement deal with a serious problem in Arizona.” Many supporters have poured into Arizona trying to pump as much money as possible into the state, showing support in the wake of the boycott. Supporters also condone the government for prosecuting Arizona for simply covering, updating, and more actively enforcing a federal law.

opposition

Mary Bauer (Legal director for a Poverty Law Center) said this about the Arizona immigration bill, “A civil rights disaster and an insult to American values.” Civil Rights Organizations, are just a small representation of the people who are not in support of Arizona. Many, who like the federal government, have filed lawsuits against Arizona. Large numbers of Hispanics are also opposed to the bill sighting civil rights violations. President Obama has been a very big opposition member condoning the bill and fighting for it’s immediate rejection. States and cities followed the leadership of Raul M. Grijalva when he called for a boycott of Arizona, some of the most known cities around the nation followed suit.

What’s to come?

On June eighth Secretary of State Hilary Clinton announced that federal government would sue Arizona over Senate Bill 1070. Clinton told a reporter, “ The Justice Department, under his (Obama’s) direction would be

bringing a lawsuit against the act.” When Clinton made the announcement, Governor Brewer who after learning of the proceedings said, “To learn of this lawsuit through an Ecuadorean interview with the secretary

of state is just outrageous. If our own government intends to sue our state to prevent illegal immigration enforcement, the least it can do is inform us before it informs the citizens of another nation.”

In just a short while Arizona will have it’s day in court. Along with those who, like Obama, oppose Senate Bill 1070 and any state bill similar to it. Each side hopes for justice to be served and rights upheld. But with immigration reform so out in the open again. It’s almost certain something will be done.

This lawsuit will play a crucial way in how immigration policy is worked. Specifically regarding states and the federal government. Who will make the decision regarding immigration? And will other states be able to continue on their quest for similar legislation?

How will Senate Bill 1070 effect Utah?

States and cities across the nation have rallied together and joined the opposition in a boycott of Arizona. And some have not, including our own state Capital Salt Lake City. The decision to not support the boycott was reached on account of the “unintended consequences” such a spurn could cause. And because America is still recovering after an incredible economic downturn, boycotting states and cities put extra pressure on a state like any other who longs to recover. Hoping that the financial anxiety will break down the law and it’s supporters. On the other hand cities like Salt Lake decline to recoil from Arizona fearing economic turmoil and maybe even because they agree with the bill.