04.24
Friday Arizona passed it’s own immigration bill, SB 1070, to combat out of control illegal immigration. Up until two years ago I lived in Arizona so I feel I might have a better feel for what AZ is going through compared to people outside the Southwest.
First off, I remember watching the news every morning. I remember seeing the daily kidnappings, murders, home invasions and car chases being reported. I completely understand where this legislation is coming from. Considering how many times Sheriff Joe has been re-elected in Maricopa county I am surprised this hasn’t happened before now. It is easy for people to pass judgement from a far. As for Obama attacking Arizona, that is pretty much what I would expect from someone who wants to turn all those illegals into democratic votes.
Now lets talk Constitutionality, this is the part I have had to work at to get my head around. Arizona says that the Fed is not doing their Constitutionally required job:
- Article 1, section 8.1 – According to the Constitution, part of the reason we pay taxes is so the Federal Govt can “provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States”
- Article 4, section 4 – Concerning state’s rights, the Federal Govt “shall protect each of them against invasion” and “domestic violence”
However, it is going to very important that Arizona carry these new laws out in a way that does not compromise citizen’s 14th amendment rights and that they maintain procedures that do not make this bill target one specific race. I read the bill, personally I would have liked to have seen a little more verbiage in there addressing this concern. If the law does stay in effect, I am guessing most lawsuits will say that SB 1070 article 8, section B was violated and that the officer pulled someone over for being a particular race. SB 1070 requires ”lawful contact” to be made first which means they have to be violating a traffic law or something.
All in all I support Arizona’s decision. If the Federal Govt is NOT going to protect their border, then someone needs to. I am pretty sure citizens still have more rights than illegals in this country (for now).
