ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW IS SPOT ON
Nobody wants to feel like an outsider in their own country. Yet, days when I drive through the streets of certain parts of South Milwaukee, and certainly through West Milwaukee where the Miller Park Brewer's baseball stadium is actually situated, I feel like I am indeed out of place. Walking through the stores and shops, English is almost a second language. Down on South 27th Street, it is as much Mexico as it is anything.
In the case as it is here, I couldn't tell you what the composition is of illegals vs. bonafide legal American citizens. But my suspicions certainly lean toward the idea that they cannot all be legal. And certainly the sheer volume of the Mexican population is increasing. So, what's bringing them here? What's the attraction? Why in southeastern Wisconsin, far away from any U.S./Mexican border would there be a very noticeable rise of Mexican immigrants?
The spotlights are using black bulbs.
I want to make it abundantly clear that I am not against immigration. I am not anti-Mexican. Señor Sol's, a Mexican restaurant just down the street from my house is a small place, but it has very good food, and the place is run by legal Mexican immigrants. I eat there all the time. I applaud their efforts, and their contribution to my community.
Certainly, as well, I can read history, and I am very much aware of the fact that this country was built on immigrants who came here seeking a better life for themselves and their families. They became hard working, patriotic American citizens. They came here to enjoy freedom, and to heighten their possibilities. The American dream is real, and it is sold the world over, and you better believe there are going to be throngs of people who are going to want to have a piece of that. And that's perfectly fine. It makes absolute, perfect sense. In fact, I'm quite proud of that. For all the dissent squawked by the citizens of other countries, for all the folks who scream Imperialists! and burn our flag in their streets—we all know that those are the ones who cannot flee. Given the chance, their bags would be packed in an instant.
But still, we are still a system of laws. There is a right way to enter America and a wrong way to enter America. And when one chooses the wrong way, they are choosing to break our laws. When you think of how much police force we utilize to police the nation's highways for a few cars doing 10 MPH over the speed limit, you have to wonder why not focus our attention on people entering the country illegally?
Folks, however minor it may seem to be an illegal in this country, it is still the law. If I want to drive on the nation's roadways, I must adhere to the rules of the road. If I do not, there is a consequence. And if I want to participate in the American dream, I must follow the rules along that path as well.
Now in Arizona illegal immigrants may actually be treated like the criminals that they are in lieu of what's amazingly become the norm across the country—that is to simply welcome them with open arms and load them up with benefits paid for by the rest of America's real citizens.
If you think about it, it sort of makes about as much sense as handing a speeder a faster car as a punnishment for driving too fast.
The new immigration enforcement law that became law recently, thanks to the smarts—and frankly the cojones, to steal a term—of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is, without question, a step in the right direction when it comes to how we deal with the illegal immigration problem.
In a nutshell, the new law makes it a state crime to be in the country, or in Arizona specifically, without proper alien registration. As well, it allows police who suspect that an immigrant may be illegal to question them regarding their status. The law also provides for citizens to sue the government agencies that hinder immigration enforcement laws, and makes it illegal for businesses to hire illegals for day labor.
It basically says we have a law, and we are actually going to enforce the law, and the citizens who pay the salaries of government officials charged with enforcing the law, have the right to hold officials accountable when they do not do the job they are being paid to do.
It's a hell of a concept isn't it?
Sen. Russel Pearce, a republican from Mesa, Arizona, who also sponsored the bill said, "Enough is enough. This new law will take the handcuffs off the police, and put them on violent criminals."
Arizona happens to be where that rancher was killed by illegals trafficking in drugs. The incident served as a bit of a catalyst in prompting Arizona politicians to finally see a compelling need to crack down on illegal immigration. It's about upholding the law, and protecting legal citizens. The heavy increase in overall violence spilling over onto the U.S. side of the border over the drug war in Mexico is of grave concern.
Arizona also happens to be one of the busiest border crossings in the United States. It's estimated that the state is home to more than 460,000 illegal immigrants, and according to most estimations, the goods and services they have access to via state and local government venues, and in some cases federal, costs quite a lot to taxpayers. It makes sense that if you can curb illegal immigration activity in Arizona, it will have an overall effect on reducing immigration issues in other parts of the country as well.
Of course, opponents of the new law are focusing their attention on racial profiling. This is just more nonsense. We are simply going to ask a few more questions when we have someone in our custody for breaking the law. We're simply going to go into businesses and have them prove that they are following the law, and that they are hiring only documented citizens, as has been the law in Arizona anyway since 2007.
It's no different than the health department going into a business to ensure that they are following proper procedure in food handling. If you are operating within the letter of the law, there will be no issue to speak of. No one is going to arrest you for ordering Nacho's, as one cartoon picked fun at, on suspicion of being an illegal alien.
Sheriff Jeff Arpaio of Maricopa County told Matt Lauer in a recent interview about the police, "They're not gonna go on a street corner and grab people because they look like they're from another country. We haven't been doing that for the past three years, and I know law enforcement officers will not do that. That's hype. Those are the critics. Some politicians use that as an excuse because they don't like law enforcement enforcing illegal immigration laws."
What I say to the Mexican population in Arizona, or to the Mexican population who live down the street from me in West Milwaukee or down on 27th Street, or anywhere in the country for that matter is to embrace immigration law, not oppose it. These laws protect your job too. They protect your families from drug crime and violence too. These laws protect your homes and they protect your safety and community. They also protect your businesses. These laws advantage you. These laws level the playing field for all Mexican immigrants.
What I didn't say earlier about part of what contributes to my feeling like an outsider in those areas north of me is the high crime that exists there. The areas are poor, run-down, and gang activity is very prevalent. This is in part, in my opinion, due to the way our immigration laws are not enforced. It keeps the Mexican population down on the lower end of the earnings spectrum. It hinders them from real competition in the drive toward the American dream. As a result, they get left behind. They become held back from their real potential.
How could any legal American-Mexican citizen see strong immigration policy and enforcement as a bad thing?
Arizona's new immigration law is not only spot on and the right thing to do, it should serve as a roadmap for the rest of America to follow. If we don't get this done, and done now, the problems we face in the coming years ahead with regard to illegal immigration are only going to get so bad that they will be virtually unstoppable.
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Comments
AUTHORArtisina, thanks so much for the kind words. I'm glad to be able to "get it right" whenever I can. :)
Thank you for expressing my opinions on immigration so much better than I did. Your writing is truly inspirational to me. I love your style of writing and the way you put words together. I am learning so much from you. Thanks for all you do and how much you care. Great hub, as usual.
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All spot on as well Peggy. One thing that irks me today is the fact that it seems to me that immigrants came here in years past to become Americans. Nowadays they come here to transform America into their country. I think that's backwards and I don't like it one bit. The politically correct nature of society today is allowing this to happen. All of a sudden the word "rights" seems to apply to everyone and every thing regardless of whether or not it makes any sense.
For many of my teenaged years I lived in McAllen, Texas which is about 7 miles from Mexico. Back then they had a guest worker program where people could legally come across the border and work but then went home. Seemed to work and at least we were able to know who was in the country and why. Many of the crops were picked by them as an example and it filled a need.
I know it is the law but this one is crazy! WHY should an illegal woman who walks across the border and delivers her baby in the United States be able to stay here with her brand new minted U.S. citizen and then be able to collect all the welfare for her baby enabling her to be able to stay here as well? That happens all the time! Seems to me that if that one law was changed...it might help the situation.
Another thing... Why all the bilingual classes in our schools? Seems targeted for only the Hispanic population. If a legal or illegal Hungarian comes here, they cannot expect their children to be taught classes in that language. This adds tremendously to our costs and actually holds the Hispanic kids back from assimilating faster into our culture. Total immersion into learning a new language works! And kids learn new languages even faster than adults.
If my husband and I chose to move to Italy, wouldn't it be reasonable to think that we would want to learn the Italian language? Would we expect the country of Italy to teach all their school classes in English just to accommodate us? Would we expect to be able to "Press 2" for English with their telephone service? Would we expect to be able to vote in English?
Putting the "shoe on the other foot" makes it easier to compare how crazy things are here compared to how it would be if we moved (legally much-less illegally) to other countries.
Like you, I am proud to be an American and all of my ancesters came here legally and tried their best to learn English as fast as possible. My grandfathers, father and both brothers served this country in the military.
Immigration (LEGAL IMMIGRATION) has made our country the melting pot and great social success that it became...but it is being gradually torn asunder by the flood of illegal people coming here. They cost our country SO MUCH MONEY to maintain and we are on the brink of unsustainability.
Right is right...wrong is wrong...GO ARIZONA! You are SPOT ON with this hub Springboard.
- AUTHOR
As am I. Thanks for the comment.
Federal immigration laws are more stringent than AZ's but arent enforced.
I'm for AZ. 100%
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Indeed. I said a couple months ago we ought to send hearing aids to Congress instead of our tax monies regarding the whole health care debacle and the fact that better than 50% of all Americans didn't want the bill as it was. Should we send brooms now? :)
It's like that all across America. There is a lot of cleaning up to do to set this right.
- AUTHOR
I like your analogy of keeping the front door wide open and letting anyone come in and take what they want. That's better than any analogy I came up with. And it's exactly right. I think most of the people who decide laws like this are unjust or unfair simply don't have a clue what goes on in the real world.
I drive down into the heavily populated Hispanic areas with my doors locked. The streets are littered with trash. The houses are all in disrepair. Businesses have bars on their windows. Crime rates are through the roof. Gang activity is rampant. And I ask myself, what contribution is it again that this community presents?
Seems to me all they are doing is trashing my city, destroying my property value the closer they get to my house, making me afraid to drive down my own street, and certainly costing me more in taxes to pay for more police, and all the other benefits they get from the system.
I wish it were'nt this way. But the reality is, it IS. And this is Wisconsin, not Arizona. So...what do you do?
The Arizona law is carbon copy of Federal Law but allows improved enforcement. And we all know a state law cannot supersede a federal law.
I have to look this up again because I forgot but a while back a New York Circuit Court upheld a similar law in NY and that law may allow officers to stop someone if suspected of illegal immigration.
No one complained about that NY decision yet they are crying about the Arizona law. The very people who are screaming the most ignore this along with all the kidnapping and murders in Arizona.
This why the left are frauds an liars.
See, what works for people works for countries. Now you wouldn't let your house be with doors wide open 24/7 allowing everyone to walk in and take what they want, would you?
Of course not. Your house is your own little country and you protect it. Yet the left, locks their doors 24/7 don't they?
But the left want us to keep our doors open 24/7 while theirs are locked. What Hippocracy!
What is good and logical for the person is good for the country. Why? Because the country is people.
But the left ignores that because it doesn't fit with their ideals and wants.
Great hub!
- AUTHOR
Thanks.
Right on brother, I agree with you on this one. Great hub.
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Chaotic, much appreciated praise. :) That's the thing with this law is that every single American citizen can cite numerous examples of having to PRODUCE PAPERS. Buying alcohol is a funny one in that here in Wisconsin the liquor stores are required to card EVERYONE. A man, 70 years old walks up to the counter with a 6-pk of beer and he has to be carded. Why would it make sense to ANYONE that it would be okay to enter someone else's country and then disregard the law? What laws in Mexico is it "okay" for me to disregard?
Sandy, I'm not for illegal immigrants, though I have nothing against LEGAL immigration. I think that when you have a wide open door it creates a very crazy situation. Besides the fact that it's clear that the issue is not even immigration. It's Mexico. It's the condition its country creates that incentivizes people to leave Mexico and enter America. We don't have a similar issue on the Canadian border for a very good reason.
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I agree with you. People who demonstrate against these laws are pure ignorant. I'm all for illegal immigrants. But Arizona is in a bad place where it has been overran by illegal immigrates.
...Standing Ovation..... Bravo! This was very well written and very informative. (not to mention spot-on itself!) You are right on here, especially where you make the point that if you are doing nothing wrong, you should not have any reason to get upset at having to prove it. If I buy alcohol, I have to surrender my license to prove I am as old as I say I am. I do not get offended at being accused of lying about my age (though no woman wants to say they are older). When I go on base in civies, I don't get upset if an MP asks for my military id to make sure I'm allowed to be there. It's all part of the LAW. That's it. :)
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She's absolutely right, and so is the bill absolutely the right thing to do. I will not vote for anyone against this bill, period. Interestingly, there are votes being made here to boycott Arizona...
I'm keeping a tabs on those folks. Democrat, republican, or green martian...
You will not get my vote. Enough IS enough. I'm tired of giving my friggin' country away—pardon my French.
HUBBERS
A MESSAGE FROM THE AZ GOVERNOR ON BILL 1070
Fighting Arizona’s drug trafficking and border violence problem
Just a few days ago, a major drug ring was broken up and 39 Mexican cartel operatives suspected of running 40,000 pounds of marijuana through southern Arizona were indicted. This is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Arizona’s drug trafficking and border violence problem.
Narcotics prosecutions in Arizona have risen 202% in 16 months, however, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearing House, there will be 1,080 prosecutions refused this year in Tucson alone. This represents over one-third of all unprosecuted cases in the Southwest. Until January of 2009, any smugglers carrying under the threshold of 500 pounds were often not prosecuted - a fact that smugglers knew all too well!
When she served as Governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano sent countless requests to Washington to take action in securing our border. Now, as Secretary of Homeland Security, she claims that the border is “as secure now as it has ever been.” That’s the problem. Our border wasn’t secure when she was governor and it’s not secure now. We’re not buying that “the system worked.” By turning a blind eye, Secretary Napolitano is betraying us in her home state. Napolitano personifies what happens when people go to Washington. Sometimes, they forget who they represent.
As the rhetoric on illegal immigration continues to grow out of control, it’s more important than ever to share the facts on Arizona’s new law. The reality is that Arizona’s new law mirrors federal law, which the federal government is not enforcing. George Will put it in perspective; the federal government's refusal to control the border is what has caused this problem in the first place.
As I stated when I signed the law, racial profiling is illegal and will not be tolerated in Arizona. The bottom line is that the federal government must secure our borders and I think Arizona finally got their attention. It looks like we're going to have a battle on our hands, but I'll keep telling the truth and doing what is right for Arizona and our country.
OBAMA AND CONGRESS LISTEN UP YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED. THE PEOPLE WANT THE TRUTH AND THE GOVERNMENT TO ENFORCE THE LAW.
CONTACT YOUR SENATOR AND CONGRESSMAN, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
- AUTHOR
Tom. Ooh. I kinda like that idea. But lets put all the illegals INSIDE the DC fence first...since everyone in Washington seems so fond of them. :)
jiberish, I will banish myself to the corner at once. ;)
Jon, a very important question. You know, you tell me what laws I, as an American citizen, am ALLOWED to break. I can't think of any. Yet non-citizens?
It's nuts that we even have to have the discussion.
HUBBERS
ILLEGAL ENTRY AZ HB 1070
The 1986 federal law is clear that anyone entering the US without the proper papers are breaking the law of the United States.
I don't believe that the USSR, North Korea, China or any other Communist country would tolerate foreigners entering the country without authorization. Prison, torture and maybe death would be their reward upon breaking their laws.
We are a nation of the rule of laws but '' let me be clear '',we need to practice EQUAL JUSTICE first before SOCIAL JUSTICE for the American people. When we put SOCIAL JUSTICE before EQUAL JUSTICE, something is wrong.
Check the following out and tell me who is on the wrong track heading in the wrong direction.
The Constitution is the foundation of our government ,why is it that our elected public officials are actually co- breaking the law BY NOT ENFORCINGTHE LAW.
SEC. 115. ENFORCEMENT OF THE IMMIGRATION LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES. ( federal law )
It is the sense of the Congress that --
(1) the immigration laws of the United States should be enforced vigorously and uniformly, and
(2) in the enforcement of such laws, the Attorney General shall take due and deliberate actions necessary to safeguard the constitutional rights, personal safety, and human dignity of United States citizens and aliens.
"(1)(A) The State shall require, as a condition of an individuals eligibility for benefits under any program listed in subsection (b), a declaration in writing by the individual (or, in the case of an individual who is a child, by another on the individuals behalf), under penalty of perjury, stating whether or not the individual is a citizen or national of the United States, and, if that individual is not a citizen or national of the United States, that the individual is in a satisfactory immigration status.
What, enforce a law that would actually work? Unheard of! Are you out of your mind to write such a great article? You must be one of those people who believe in the Constitution and therefor you're a bad man Springboard! (Great Job!)
You have...definitely the voice of common sense and reason here in your hub....good job. Maybe we would be better off putting a fence around Washington? :)
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Pamela and G.L.A., absolutely right. The fact that the federal branch of our government is not supporting this bill dismays me. Who are we trying to protect? After the health care bill passed when 52% of Americans said NO loud and clear, it was clear the federal government was not interested in the interests of the American people. In the case of the immigration law in Arizona and the federal government's reaction, it is clear they are once again not interested in the interests of the American people.
Hear this loud and clear; I WILL NOT VOTE FOR ANY CANDIDATE WHO IS NOT IN SUPPORT OF THE IMMIGRATION LAW PASSED IN ARIZONA. NOT A ONE.
Wonderful Hub!!!! The U.S. Government has made mockery of each and every immigrant who ever entered this country legally. Arizona should be applauded for upholding the law, and the feds should hang their heads in shame.
That is an excellent hub. Illegal is illegal and you can't just forget the law. There are people all over the world that would love a chance to live here but they must apply and wait, following the law. Arizona's crime rate is equal to NYC with only 1/6th of the population. They had to take a stand as the US government has done nothing. Great hub!
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woodwoman—Yes I AM shocked, not just for the fact that you agree with me, but that I agree with YOU. A day to be marked on the calendar. :)
On the mention of illegals not getting access to certain welfare things such as food stamps, I think that depends on whether the illegal has a child born here. That child is automatically an American citizen upon birth, and is therefore entitled to all of the rights and benefits a normal citizen would have.
billyaustindillon—thanks for stopping in and sharing your comments.
POP—Yeah, that's the ting that floors me about all the opposition. It's simply saying "Let's enforce laws we already have." Never have I seen such a large group of ANYONE so opposed to upholding the law.
thevoice—thank you. :)
James—Always a pleasure James. Thanks.
Hxprof—thank you. :)
- AUTHOR
Hello Hello—It makes my blood boil as well. I can't for the life of me understand why it's such a hard concept to be understood. If you break into a store after hours, steal a bunch of clothes, then say "well, I'll pay for these tomorrow...if I get caught." it's the same thing as entering the country illegally and then saying you'll become a citizen if you get caught.
No you won't. You will be thrown in jail for breaking into a business and stealing clothes. And you should be thrown in jail and deported if you entered the country illegally.
- AUTHOR
Cari Jean—While I am certainly happy to learn your sister-in-law did the right thing by becoming a citizen, I still wouldn't want to encourage folks to come here first and become citizens second. Go through the proper channels and come here legally. The option your sister-in-law chose is still a backdoor one, even if the outcome was good.
drbj—Yes. Very interesting. Even more interesting is that the law really only does one thing...that is; it ENFORCES laws we already have on the books. God forbid we actually enforce laws. :)
EyesandEars—I certainly agree. If Americans are to be held to the letter of the law, they better damn well hold illegals to the letter of the law no matter where they came from.
Loved this piece. I give it a thumbs up for clarity and for being in touch with reality.
Truly a polished, outstanding article, my friend. I loved every word of it. Great job!
terrific amazing hub gets my vote thanks
Terrific hub. The Arizona law is basically the same as the Federal law, it's just that the Federal law is not enforced. I too live very close to a community that has a large Mexican population. They wait by a designated pick up spot all day long hoping to be chosen to work for someone for the day. It is very disconcerting to say the least.
Springboard some very good points and the sign is just classic. Woodwoman - with your idea on coal the Australia opposition leader is talking about having the unemployed in Australia work the mines
OK Springboard, you're going to be surprised - I agree with most of the points of the bill. Arrest them if they're here illegally and send them home! In NC I've seen them take over the job market. They live 14 to a trailer, take whatever pay they can get and force American workers out of a job. There are too many, they don't learn our language and they aren't "law-abiding citizens." Not because they're here illegally but because when they get here they break other laws, too. They're crowding our jails. Fortunately in NC, you can't get a driver's license without genuine proof of ID. I've been in the DMV when they come in with photocopied birth certificates and SS cards. They are always turned away. It should be that way with our jobs, too.
We pay for their education and their emergency room care, but fortunately they can't get welfare, SS, food stamps and Medicare/Medicaid. The bill does the right thing by targeting employers who hire illegals. If they can't get jobs, maybe they'll go home. It seems to me that the richer you are, the more you don't mind illegal immigration. Ever notice that? There are very few fatcats who care about stopping illegals because they benefit from having their work but not having to pay what they would an American worker. And illegals make it very tempting for a boss to ignore workplace safety, which is bad for American workers. After all, why pay more to make your plant safe when a worker who's been hurt can't go to the government to complain - because they're not actually supposed to be in the country.
There's going to be some civil rights problems but let's see how the rest of it works out. Maybe we should ship them all to W Va and let them mine coal.
Very ingteresting and informative. Although living in England where there is a lot of problem in that direction and I am a foreigner myself - not illigal - but I whole-heartedly agree with you. The things I see and read makes my blood boil.
-----the citizens who pay the salaries of government officials charged with enforcing the law, have the right to hold officials accountable when they do not do the job they are being paid to do.------
Spot On!!
I applluaud Arizona 100%. legal is legal. illegal is illegal. a crime is a crime. illegal immigration is illegal immigration and illegal immigration is a crime. why should some (legal) immigrants have to pay the high cost of immigration while waiting to become legal, and others enter illegally without paying the same price and be treated like regulaar citizens while the ones hwo came in legally aren't? it doesn't make sense. at all. it makes me angry - why should the Mexicans get such speical treatment? they don't deserve it for breaking and entering into our country like a bunch of common criminals.
It will be interesting to see what kind of pressure the U.S. government begins to apply on Arizona. The politicos in Washington, DC are not happy.
I have a sister-in-law from Mexico who came here illegally, married my brother then wanted to do the right thing by becoming legal. It was a lot of paperwork, time, patience and money but she is now a citizen. I am so proud of her and wish more illegals would realize it's not right for them to be here and would want to make it right.
- AUTHOR
BJBenson—glad to have you onboard. :) Thanks for stopping by.
prettydarkhorse—Right. We are a nation built on laws, and if we make exceptions for non-citizens what does that say to those of us who live here legally who MUST obey all the laws? I applaud immigration when it is done through the proper process and channels, and I am very proud of the heritage of this country...
Which was BUILT on immigrants. There is nothing wrong with immigration. There IS something wrong with illegal immigration.
Thanks for coming in and leaving your thoughts. It is much appreciated.
eovery—Absolutely correct. Good to see you.
I have some espanic friends and they are great people. But they do need to come to the country legally and obey our laws.
Keep on hubbing!
I most certainly agree with you, just respecting the law is the right thing to do, I live here at Dallas, I am an Asian immigrant here, lots of Mexicans here as well, Maita
You know I'm with you on this!
- AUTHOR
You hit the nail right on the head Tom. I couldn't have said it better.
Patti Ann—thanks. And thanks for stopping in. :)
Springboard,
Legal is legal and illegal is illegal it's as simple as that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very well put - I totally agree with you. Rated this one up!
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