Something I must comment on.

There has been a lot of controversy about the recently passed law regarding illegal aliens in Arizona. The Facebook Group "1 MILLION Strong AGAINST the Arizona Immigration Law SB1070" offered a concise, clear definition of the law and it's tenets. Have a look:

Current law in Arizona and most states doesn't require police to ask about the immigration status of those they encounter, and many police departments prohibit officers from inquiring out of fear immigrants won't cooperate in other investigations.

The new law makes it a crime under state law to be in the country illegally. Immigrants unable to produce documents showing they are allowed to be in the U.S. could be arrested, jailed for up to six months and fined $2,500. Other provisions allow lawsuits against government agencies that hinder enforcement of immigration laws, and make it illegal to hire undocumented workers for day labor or knowingly transport them.

That being read: what is the bad part in this law? Is it the ejecting ILLEGAL aliens part? Is it that it establishes a way to keep tabs confidently on who is/is not a documented worker/citizen is the United States? (Another thing to note is that the first sentence of the second paragraph says that the new law means it's illegal, according to the state, to be in the country illegally. Like, you know, the FEDERAL LAW that says the same thing.)

Obviously there has been fear that this law will encourage racial profiling. Mexico is the only foreign country that Arizona borders. It is a near certainty that any illegal immigrants to be found in Arizona are Mexican/Hispanic. It's like telling a police officer a redhead robbed you and then they bring in only black-haired people to the lineup. Who should they be looking for?

Perhaps it could be an inconvenience for those of Hispanic descent who are legally allowed to live and work in the States, sure, but if you're legal, you have nothing to worry about. This shouldn't be an insult.

There's also been some complaints about having to carry papers, saying it recalls the Nazi persecution of the Jews in the same way. Leaving this sensationalist claim itself alone, the US are not trying to persecute illegals because of their race. We're not trying to hunt down and execute illegals. We're simply doing what we should have done a decade ago and restored this to federal concern.

John had a great parallel for the use of citizenship papers--are we not all required to carry driver's licenses? A police officer has the right to stop any driver for any reason and ask for one's license and registration to assure that the party is driving legally.

I believe that every person who wants to become a US citizen should have the right to do so. It's a matter of completing the due process. Learn about the Constitution, what the US represents (or once represented, some might say), and learn English. Any other country would ask the same of anyone desirous of citizenship. I honestly wish more US citizens understood what their country is about.

I can't abide anyone (from ANY country) coming into America illegally in order to take advantage of tax-free income. I can't abide people hiring illegals knowingly for cheap labor. Have a family to support back home? I sympathize. Now get legal or get out. Why should we be lenient on those who are breaking our laws? That is a very serious question!

Feel free to leave any thoughts/comments/arguments!

-A.