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Arizona Immigration Bill SB 1070: Janet Napolitano Speaks Out
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by Amy Judd | April 26, 2010 at 09:57 am
5246 views | 19 Recommendations | 58 comments
Janet Napolitano Speaks Out and Says Arizona's Immigration Bill is 'Misguided'
Janet Napolitano, the former Arizona governor has stated that the new Arizona Immigration Bill SB 1070 is 'misguided' and said that it is 'not a good enforcement law' while appearing on ABC news on Monday April 26.
She is concerned that a similar law could be developed in other states, when the larger issue of a federal law has not yet been addressed.
"This affects everybody, and I actually view it now as a security issue," she said.
She went on to say that there needs to be a period of time for people who are in the United States illegally to register.
They pay a fine. They learn English. They get right with the law."
According to CNN, many people in Arizona who are legal are fearing that this crack down on illegal immigration has developed a climate of fear.
Protests against the bill were held over the weekend outside the capitol building in Phoenix, but for citizens such as Jessica Mejia, she is concerned about what will happen when the bill goes in to effect in August or September:
"How can you tell what will give an officer reasonable suspicion to stop you?" she said. "We understand there's a need for protection on the border, but we think it should come more with immigration reform, not by pulling over people and stopping them on the street."
Rep. Raul Grijalva, a Democrat and Arizona congressman, has also spoken out against the bill, saying that he wants to overturn 'this unjust and racist law' and overturn the power that created the law. He is asking that Obama not cooperate with the law.
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon has scheduled a space in the session of City Council on Tuesday to propose legal action against the SB 1070.
"I will direct the city manager and city attorney to file a lawsuit against the state to enjoin the law from going into effect and have it declared unconstitutional," he said.
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Recommendations (19)
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Grace H
Austin, Texas, United States
Pat Garcia
La Paz, Mexico
everchanging
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Jordan Yerman
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Rory Cripps
New Port Richey, Florida, United States
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (58)
at 10:24 on April 26th, 2010
I cannot think of such a sad day then they day this law went into effect. I can't believe I now live in a country that is legally supporting racism. After everything that has happened in our history, I would have like to think that we, as a nation, had overcome this idiocracy. I live in Colorado, and there are lots of Mexicans that live here, and I wouldn't have it any other way. We cannot be diverse as a nation, when we try to kick everyone who is now from here out. I hope each and every Mexican in Arizona that gets stopped sues the cops and the state for violaton of HUMAN RIGHTS. Mexicans are humans too. Also, if they want to deport all the Mexicans from the United States, lets also deport EVERYONE ELSE who is NOT a Mexican back to their countries too. I hope the people in charge in Arizona see the error in their ways. LONG LIVE DIVERSITY.
at 11:04 on April 26th, 2010
What saddens me is not seeing a bill like this passed into law, but seeing our country let immigration become such a severe problem. My great grandparents are from Mexico, and they came into this country legally seventy years ago. However, there are thousands of Mexicans who choose to come to our country illegally every year. I would like to think that we, as a nation, recognize that these poeple are breaking the law to get here. There are legal channels available to people that want to come into our country. This is not a question of human rights, it is a matter of arresting the people that BROKE THE LAW! As a person of Mexican descent I do not feel targeted, and I don't think this is a form of legal racism. If you are here legally you should NOT be upset, instead you should be proud to show your papers to law enforcement officers. This shows them that you are a law abiding person that made the right decision on your entrance into this country. It is ignorant to think that border patrol is the only method for correcting this problem. It is the RESPONSIBILITY of each state to uphold laws that our federal government has passed, but remains unwilling and unable to enforce itself.
at 14:28 on April 26th, 2010
I agree to some of what you say. I agree that if someone brakes the law, including illegal immigration, legal action should take place. I also understand that there are many legal citizens that are more than happy to show documentation of their status (or their right to be in the country). The problem is this bill does not do anything to protect against racial profiling, and quite honestly I don't think there is anything that can. What this bill does is allows law enforcement to legally discriminate against others based on appearances, and in Arizona it will most surely be against the Mexican population.
at 22:58 on April 26th, 2010
You clearly have no idea what you are saying and are just repeating something you heard on the news. You also have not read the bill either or you would not be making such ridiculous claims you know have no basis in fact.
at 18:05 on April 27th, 2010
Well I feel that the government is ignorant itself. Obviously you haven't read the laws and procedures to travel to the US from Mexico legally. It takes a long time and also they can turn you away for ANY LITTLE thing. I agree the government does have to control the borders, but not just from Mexico and South America, but from all other countries and continents. So, yeah I think that the law is racial profiling because if you have an accent and don't have light skin and speak perfect English chances are you will be stopped. How CAN ANYONE just look at someone and say they're illegal lets check them. It's funny to hear all these people who approve of the bill say we will be diligent, HOW? The only way would be to line everyone up and ask for their documentation...Black, White, Brown, Purple, Green...so I feel this is very ignorant and a waste of time also.
at 06:40 on April 27th, 2010
Maybe you should look at MEXICO's Immigration Laws
at 10:25 on April 27th, 2010
You must obviously be confused by what you are seeing on TV. You need to read the bill before you slam it. There is nothing racist or overreaching in the bill, read it... it's only 17 pages long. "there are lots of Mexicans that live here"... I love Mexicans, worked doing landscaping and in restaurants with quite a few and they are some of the hardest working, kindest people I've met. Many I still consider close, but I have NO RESPECT for anyone who is here ILLEGALLY. They work for cash and PAY NO TAXES, use our roads, our schools, our hospitals... all without paying a dime. We need to get out ALL illegals as you stated. The only way to do that is to take matters into your own hands by making it illegal to reside in the US illegally under State law since the Federal laws are not being upheld/enforced. BTW... FUCK DIVERSITY!! Diversity means minority priveledge, not equality. It means white people taking advantage of minorities and showcasing them to everyone else. I went to a college that glorified diversity, which meant that there was an Asian Film Society as well as other minority based groups seperated by ethnicity. I spoke to the dean and asked why I could not join the Film Society based on my race. I said it was discriminatory and he told me the true meaing of diversity. He said that they were giving priviledge to these minority groups so they could create a place to come together(and use school property free of charge). He also told me that as a white male I had many priviledges and that this was to make it fair for them(the minorities). I asked if I could start my own film group, open to all races and he said no, there is already another film group. He said it would be unfair to the Asians to have a competing, yet all-inclusive film group even if the Asians did not have to open up to accepting other races. Seperating us into little groups and celebrating what makes us different is what diversity is all about these days. Diversity should showcase the American spirit by showcasing what unites us DESPITE our differences, whether they be religious, social, a handicap or even race. Instead it has been hijacked by so-called intellectuals who want to promote minority priviledge over unity and equality. STOPPED BEING BRAINWASHED!!! Think for yourself!!
at 13:08 on May 20th, 2010
just to remind ! this country does not belong to anyone but the native Americans. you should go back and study the history.
at 10:00 on May 4th, 2010
I live in Tx and agree with the AZ bill. I am tired of supporting Illegal Immigrants!!! That doesn't make me a racist!! I didn't know Immigrants were a specific race?!?!? Whether they are here from Mexico, France, Canada, or wherever, If they didn't take the legal steps to become a LEGAL citizen they must be labeled ILLEGAL. They are breaking the laws and should face punishment.
at 12:06 on April 26th, 2010
As a Native American, I feel this law should be executed to the fullest extent. Yes, I'm talking about Anglo Invaders, who took the land without any remorse.
at 12:46 on May 5th, 2010
Anglo Saxons didn't break any 'written' Native American Laws whence they immigrated (as far as I know). Besides this immigration law clearly states (if you read it you would know it) that if you have proof of citizenship then you don't get turned over to the immigration office. Also this Bill is not something new. A large number of nations, and even the US Federal Government (look up 1940s proof of citizen ship laws), already have such requirements for all persons in this nation to have proof of citizenship. Race is a non-issue in this Bill, in fact it prevents judgments based solely on race and/or color, having proof of citizen ship is the interest here.
at 12:23 on April 26th, 2010
Aside from milquetoast assertions like "misguided", Napoletano misses the larger point here, which is not about how it affects illegal immigrants. The point is how it affects legal immigrants and born-and-raised Americans, by mandating police harassment based on their appearance. That's beyond "misguided" and clearly in "racist" territory.
at 19:37 on April 26th, 2010
You are making outlandish assertion that are clearly not true... read the bill dude. www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/sb1070s.pdf
at 13:48 on April 27th, 2010
Have you read it? It empowers and encourages officers to use their discretion to carryout the law. That means their opinion. And that means racial profiling.
No free government rules by fear. One who cant rule without it isnt fit to lead.
at 15:15 on April 27th, 2010
Could you please site one instance where this law promotes racial profiling. It explicitly prohibits it and puts the burden on the officer to show that they were already under reasonable suspicion of breaking the law. I think EVERYONE who is charged with a crime should have their immigration status verified. This excerpt was taken from the bill itself. Here's the link. www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/sb1070s.pdf FOR ANY LAWFUL CONTACT MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE WHERE REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS THAT THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE MADE, WHEN PRACTICABLE, TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE PERSON. THE PERSON'S IMMIGRATION STATUS SHALL BE VERIFIED WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PURSUANT TO 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 1373(c).
at 06:20 on April 29th, 2010
"Reasonable suspisicon" last I checked that means at the executor's (the officer) discretion. In carrying it out it will be done on what looks, pronunciation of certain words, accent? What else? How is that not profiling? Its inherent. Please explain it away, if you aptly can.
at 00:59 on May 9th, 2010
No cop is going to have the gall to stop people because they look Hispanic when there are many other things that could indicate someone being illegal, such as driving without insurance or a license, an adult being paid under the table on a regular basis (not kids mowing lawns), etc. Also, no one seems to report the law has been modified that so race is explicitly
at 06:53 on May 18th, 2010
Grace, I have read the bill and do not see any reference to police discretion; in fact just did a search using the PDF search function and "discretion" is not in the bill at all! If you are posting something you SHOULD FIRST READ THE BILL!
at 12:41 on July 4th, 2010
Ummm...that is because the bill says "reasonable suspicion" and the term is in there more than once. YOU need to read it again. Furthermore look up the words you are reading and give us all a concrete definition of "reasonable suspicion" which is not dependent on the officer's own personal experiences who is enforcing the law. I dare you to try!
at 12:31 on April 26th, 2010
this law will only make us stronger and we will show unity for each other
at 12:50 on April 26th, 2010
GA Mexican-
I don't know if you're aware of this, but the majority of the people who come here illegally do so for a better life. That means if they didn't have the means to live decently in Mexico, they probably didn't have the means to do what is necessary to enter the country legally. It's not as easy as it sounds. I'm a thousand percent sure that seventy years ago it was much easier to do so. I wonder if you would feel so "outraged" by this "problem" if you were to see the conditions that some of these people live in over there. If your children were starving, you would do what it takes to give them a better life. I would think you would have some sympathy.
at 13:56 on April 26th, 2010
I am not "outraged" by the problem, as you put it. I do recognize that it is a huge problem that has significant impact on our society as well as our economy. Yes, I am aware that the living conditions in Mexico are sub-par. But I assure you that it wasn't an easy ride for my relatives, and in many ways continues to be a struggle. However, there is no cost associated with the legal process for entrance into the country. No matter how horrible your living situation, you should be able to afford free. There is a lot of paperwork involved in the process, for which I am thankful. It should not be possible for just anyone to get into this country without any effort. I do have two small children, and I have worked very hard to provide for them. It hasn't been easy, and I have NEVER asked for anything free. Every piece of clothing worn by my children, and every piece of food that they have eaten, I have provided for them. I never broke into someone else's house and forced them to provide it for me. Arizona Taxpayer- I agree whole-heartedly. I see the same issues here in Georgia. My child is in a class that is made up of a population that includes at least 25% Mexican children, most of which are not here legally. They eat free, they get the same education, and they never pay a dime to fund it.
at 06:50 on April 27th, 2010
Immigrate to America but Don't be a burden to tax payers...or turn America into Mexico. Come here at YOUR own risk not ours. Stop telling Americans how they are wrong or cruel. Mexico's Immigration Laws are much harsher.
at 13:02 on April 26th, 2010
As a resident of Arizona for many years now I've seen quite a change with the incredible amount of illegal immigrants in our state. For everyone who is against Arizona's new bill - okay - everyone's allowed to their opinion. So how about we do a few things since you're okay with the illegal immigrants, aliens, whatever is "politically correct" these days? No. 1: You put your name, address and social security on a list that is given to illegals as they cross the border - yes your social security number - so they can use your social security number to get a job, public health care, etc. (Speaking as someone who has had their identify stolen by an illegal - believe me it's quite a challenge getting that mess straightened out. I'm a white female, not Jesus Pablo DeSantos Martinez, a 50 something year old male). No. 2: All the illegals get to move into your neighborhood. Oh, really, not in your neighborhood? Why not? Come on, it's fun - you can dodge the drug smugglers' shoot outs and just ignore all those people crouching in your back yard - they're just trying to get away from the "coyote" (aka human smuggler) that has been holding them captive for the last week in the house next to yours. Oh, it does wonders for your property values - aren't you lucky? No. 3: All the illegals send their kids to YOUR kids' school. Yep, your kids have now become the minority. Yippee. Oh, and guess what? They get free lunches, free health care and guess what else? Your children get to sit there for almost half the day doing nothing while the teacher tries to teach the illegals because they don't speak English!! Gee, wonder why Arizona has some of the poorest test scores and education in the country? No. 4: All the illegals go to your doctor, your hospital, your grocery store. Just pay no attention to the fact that you're working your butt off to pay for health insurance and they get to go to the doctor and E.R. "for free"!!!! Isn't that nice of you to work so hard so they don't have to worry about it? Oh, and ignore the food stamps at the grocery store too. You work for a living and are here legally so - ding, ding - you win the opportunity to support them. Once again, aren't you the lucky one? Seriously, unless you've lived with these situations you have no idea what it's like. Everyone is all for being the humanitarian unless it has a negative impact on them and starts to destroy everything they've worked for. I see both sides of this argument but in the long run, illegal is illegal.
at 10:27 on April 27th, 2010
Arizona resident and tax payer,I would try to explain you many things such as Illegal pay taxes too. and when they go to ER, they pay that bill too. But I am sure you wont believe me. so you know what, go and ask a social worker who works at a hospital if illegal pay anything and call IRS and ask them the same. You can say that you don't have documents and need a ID number to pay taxes. (by the way, that is funny 'cause with the number you pay taxes but you cant work).About the kids........ they were born here in this country too. and just a racist like you would be so mad 'cause they share the same classroom with Caucasian kids. They are citizens just like you and have the same right just like you.Otherwise, I won't lie you, I know there are illegals that don't contribute in anything with this country and thanks to them, people like you can open their mouth to make racist comments.Thanks god!!!! I know lot of Caucasian people who are reasonable. I don't want to change your mind....... I don't want you to agree with me....... you can have your own opinion....but get informed before make any comment. Don't say "ALL ILLEGALS" , because not all of them do the same. thank you.
at 10:56 on April 27th, 2010
Illegal is illegal for a reason... your little fairytale about illegals paying their way. HA HA HA I worked for a shit company that hired illegals. I was a manager there and was threatened with my job over exposing a desire the company had to pursue and hire illegals. When an illegal presented you with "questionable identification" you had to accept it. If you question the authenticity of such documents you are discriminating against them. You could not e-verify them until after they started the job or it was considered discrimination, so we never did it. They would all claim like 8 dependents so they do not have to pay taxes. Again, we could not ask to verify that... the only thing we would have to verify was tax exempt status which the illegals knew about. They are trained by people who sell the fake IDs on how to manipulate and take advantage of our system. Meet some illegals and work with them, then find out their methods to avoid getting caught. Once you are educated on how their scam works maybe you won't be so sympathetic to them. I am sympathetic to the LEGAL immigrants who have their names dragged through the mud and get dirty looks because people question their status... let's do the right thing by them and protect what they worked so hard for.
at 14:19 on April 26th, 2010
Seriously, unless you've lived with these situations you have no idea what it's like. Well, I grew up in Texas and I don't feel at all like you do. I've known Mexican Americans, Mexicans all my life and they've been great, family oriented, hard working people. This law is just about hate and the GOP that keep pushing forward non-solutions about everthing. Those GOP leaders just have to sit back and collect votes from the gullible that can't understand immigration is a Federal domain. I hope Arizona gets bogged down in one litigation after another, those knuckleheads deserve it.
at 21:15 on April 26th, 2010
Another brilliant piece of conservative legislation to prove that the GOP is not the party of the people! RIP GOP!
at 22:54 on April 26th, 2010
"those knuckleheads deserve it"... which knuckleheads are you referring to? The silly ones who run around here working for cash, not paying taxes and using everything we can give them... or the knuckleheads that have the decency to listen to their constituency and do the right thing to help them out with a SERIOUS problem and put together a fair bill that is focused on curbing crime and waste. One that police had their hands tied in trying to help fix. TRY READING THE BILL before you buy into the racist crap. I love Mexicans too by the way, just have no time or money for the illegals. The legal ones worked way too hard to be here and we can't screw them over.
at 07:10 on April 27th, 2010
You said: "I've known Mexican Americans, Mexicans all my life and they've been great, family oriented, hard working people" Nobody is saying anything about mexican americans dumb dumb. Would they not be Americans? Silly Liberal. No wonder they kicked you out of Texas.