Will federal govt. ever enforce our immigration laws?
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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
So Arizona passes a tough law against illegal immigration and suddenly they get Washington's attention.
One poll finds 70 percent of Arizona voters support the new law... hey, maybe we better do something too. So like the lemmings they are when they smell a chance to score political points... and some of them need a lot of help with the midterms approaching - there is talk now of rushing immigration reform through Congress.
President Obama called the Arizona law "misguided." What is misguided, Mr. President, is the federal government's refusal to enforce the laws already on the books. Read the Arizona law... parts of it are word-for-word the same as the federal laws - which continue to be ignored.
Now we'll hear all sorts of blathering from our Washington gerbils about the need for a new federal law. There will be press conferences, interviews, committee hearings, draft legislation, polling... all the usual carnival acts that accompany any hot-button issue in Washington, DC.
Instead of simply closing the borders and enforcing the existing law so that they could turn their attention to something like the national debt and the fact that the country is bankrupt, we will get this freak show.
Washington's position on illegal immigration is dishonest from the top down. No enforcement. No border security. Just pandering to the Hispanic voters and the corporations that hire the illegals.
But when one of our states that is being ravaged by the presence of 460,000 illegal aliens inside its borders does something about it, the president says that's "misguided."
What a shame.
Here’s my question to you: Will the federal government ever enforce our immigration laws?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Peter writes:
Jack, I agree with your opinion. The federal government shows total disregard for existing immigration laws. When a state, saddled with the costs of illegal immigration, tries to do something, then it is labeled "misguided." So now the federal government would like to change the laws to fit the crime and labels it "reform." No wonder people have so little faith in our government.
Allison writes:
I couldn't agree more! Thank you for speaking up for the 70% of Arizonans who support this law. My parents live in Arizona and have had their car stolen out of their driveway by illegal immigrants, and their house has been broken into 3 times in the last two years by illegal immigrants. When we are more afraid of offending someone by asking for their ID or legitimate papers, we sanction crime and fail to protect the average American.
Steve in Hawaii writes:
Jack, Only after dirty bomb detonation #3 or #4.
Ron in Phoenix writes:
As a resident of Arizona, I know we have already decided that the federal government was never going to enforce the federal law, so we took it upon ourselves to make our own law.
Chuck writes:
No. There's pretty much no way to enforce them without profiling, and everyone's too scared to do it, for fear of losing votes. Maybe letting states deal with it on their own is a good idea. Let's see how it works in Arizona. Seems like a good place to test it.
T. writes:
Obama's talk about Arizona's law being "misguided" is just a smoke screen for the amnesty he and other liberals want to give illegal aliens. They'll call it something else, of course, and claim that illegals will have to "go to the back of the line" and learn English, and a host other lies. In the end, it'll be the 1986 debacle all over again.
Bob in Houston writes:
Nothing will be done to seriously halt illegal immigration while Obama is president. Congratulations to the governor of Arizona. I only hope that Texas will be next.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
As long as there's a vote to be gotten.........no way!
My question is what about personal responsibility?! I see all this anger the Hispanic community is spewing at the government and the people of Arizona but what about the Latino community accepting at least some of the responsibility for the problem. I have heard blame the businesses for hiring them and blame the American people for working them but I have yet to hear one single member of the Latino population admit that they have any responsibility at all. That is the biggest problem in this country right now. We hold no one responsible for their actions and blame everyone else.
Jack,
i think the law passed in Arizona is a great start, all of our remaining states should follow suit. Then no illegal immigration problem, gone, goodbye.
Of course the Obamacrats will not enforce the immigration laws. Because those laws interfere with the Obamacrat's objective of creating more voters willing to vote for them, and they believe illegal immigrants are a source of those voters. It is power, not law, that matters to the Obamacrats.
The federal government will enforce immigration laws only when a congressman or one of their family members is the victim of a crime committed by an illegal, not before.
I think this new law is a good law and a good start. If DC will not step up to the plate and help a state in need, then that state has no other choice but to protect it's self.
Not until a terrorist attack occurs in the US that orginates from Mexico. Until then we'll keep playing lip service for cheap labor.
Just as soon as every American tends his own vegetable garden, or decides he no longer wants to eat, that's when we'll discourage cheap labor from putting food on our tables.
I doubt it. Washington wonders why we don't trust them. Well one reason is they refuse to enforce the laws we have and then tell us we need more laws and another bureaucracy. Why should we trust them with "comprehensive immigration reform" if we cannot trust them to even bother to attempt to enforce the border, visa and immigration laws we already have. Sure, if I had friends and family that were illegal aliens, I would wouldn't want them rounded up, arrested and sent home. I would feel the same way if I had friends and relatives who were tax evaders. Tough! Illegal pretty much says it all. I am willing to be compassionate about otherwise law-abiding visitors, but I want to to see the borders secure first. I remember the amnesty back in 1986 and I remember the promises then too. Slow, but not stupid.
The Arizona law is supported by 70 % of the citizens of Arizona but CNN only seems to run reports of people opposed to it. Gee, I wonder why?
OMG...I think I actually agree w/ you on something for the 1st time ever. You actually wrote something that sounded intelligent for once. It's the law, enforce it....we will take your weak, your sick and your poor...but come here legally.
but then we can't have cheap illegal labor, that would be really sad how else are we going to get all those jobs done that unemployed Americans won't do.
What part of "illegal" don't the bleeding hearts understand?
Rod, Sunrise Beach, Texas
It's easy to criticize from your comfy chair, when you don't have all facts. If it was as simple as you seem to think it is, things would never have gone this far. If there was a practical, free solution, you wouldn't be asking this question. Without all facts, you don't know what you're talking about, so shouldn't you be working for Fox News?
•
Agreed. It is shameful that Obama and the Dems are using this issue to score political points.
I agree that we DON"T need new law.
I think it's possible they enforce the law we have, if they learn how important it is to the people.
The way they'll get that is through votes. If candidates who are truly, actively pro-enforcement start winning, I think the government will indeed start to get the message.
The argument that enforcing immigration law amounts to "racially profiling" is logically bankrupt.....it is like saying that enforcing hunting license laws unfairly targets hikers with rifles....or enforcing fishing license laws unfairly targets people in boats. As long as we insist that political correctness be the measureing stick of all policy/law enforcement, then the answer is no!
Obviously the Federal government has stopped building the fence in order to please the Open Boarders special interests, so how can there be any immigration reform if we won't even protect our boarders? Almost one in ten in Arizona is a illegal – how can be continue to make excuses for allowing illegals the roam our country without restrictions.
You hit the nail on the head here, Jack. Our Government is nothing bu an overblown dog and pony show. Keep up the GREAT work. I love reading what you write. God Bless.
From Atlanta GA, Honestly NO they never will but they need to and I stand and applaud Arizona for doing what needs to be done to protect our economy. All the free health care being given out ie:all the babies being delivered by illegals with no health care that the American tax payers are paying for and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Washington needs to take notice and get this country back on track and follow the laws that are there and enforce them.
Yes, but you cant pretend 12 million people arent already here, so there needs to be comprehensive immigration reform that address the issue of those who are here and also addresses the border issue.
I hope Democrats and Republicans decide to drop politics and do the right thing.
The government has not, as of yet, done anything to enforce the existing laws on illegal immigration already on the books; why would they start now (seriously)?
Jack, the beat goes on. Comprehensive reform means do nothing and let the illegals alone. Our laws are not broken, we just left the door open for much too long.
Arizona got it right. Other states should follow suit.
Jack, certainly we have a better chance with the current President than we have had with any of the recent administrations. I'm not sure how much can be done quickly given everything that is on the plate of the current administration. Certainly, with the creation of Homeland Security something could have been done a few years ago and now we are still looking at unsecured borders. Without the unsecured borders the current bill passed by AZ will accomplish nothing - I expect that this administration will take action afterall, President Obama can not be accused of not taking care of business - AZ may have pushed the issue up a few notches on Obama's 'do to list'.
So Mr Cafferty do you mean we kick the 13 million illegals out of the country and fix our economy right? Ok how about this, lets go 10 to 14 year back when the economy was good. Do you know none of you white boys would work at the gas stations and the stores anymore coz all of them got highly paid jobs. So lets assume you kicked the illegals out of the country and once the economy gets better then who is going to cook the food you eat at the restaurants, clean up the streets, work in gas stations, work in the convenience stores, drive the cabs in all major cities and lots more..
The right solution to this problem is legalize the hard working and the non criminals from the 13 million illegals and at the same time tighten the borders and the rules so that people are not encouraged to come illegally to the US.
The answer to your question is no the federal govt will not enforce such harsh laws simply coz it will dent the american economy and growth.
Enforce existing laws?, it depends on how desperate for reelection or short of campaign funds they are. This current crop of hacks, stooges, appointees and elected phonies are the sorriest bunch of butt lickers I've seen since I reached voting age back in the 70's...anything for a vote, thats what they live and die by.
Why now! The laws have been there for sometime. You have not
asked other presidents the same question. Why now! Is it because
the white population is second now?
It's obviously up to the states now. When all 50 do it, then Washington will HAVE to listen!
Right On Jack!!!
Not as long as they think they can get a vote out of the the mess.
They only think of the next election.
The federal government is unlikely to enforce our immigration laws until 1) we have a catastrophe caused by terrorists smuggling in weapons of mass destruction or 2) the nation has been ruined by cultural and drug wars, high unemployment and unchecked population growth. In other words, nothing will be done until it is too late.
As long as it is cheaper to hire an illegal than a legitimate worker nothing is going to be solved. No level of border security is going to stop people if there are jobs available for them, and trying to enforce immigration laws at the individual level like Arizona is attempting, is a joke.
We need to severely punish companies that hire illegals. Of course these companies are big contributors to both political parties, so that's never going to happen.
im an immigrant my self and i have 4 million dolar invested just this year in united states these kind of laws makes me want to pull my money out of united states bc it makes me worry about my family this country is a beutiful counrty we defenetly need a immigration reform go mr OBAMA you can do this.i think economy will function much better if immigration reform gets done more cars more insurance more house s will get sold i think alot s of people will agree with me .
In due time, yes.
However, the first and foremost enforcement should be of the employers who are hiring illegal immigrants. If these companies were scutinized more thoroughly, there would not be so many illegals in this country. The primary fault lies with those employers who intentionally disregard the laws for hiring employees. Whatever happened to the form I-9 that employers are to the best of my knowledge required by law to fill out each time a new employee is hired. This form requires more than one piece of identification and is to be forwarded to an investigative division of the state involved which as far I know is also required by law to absolutely verify the legality of the new employee's name, residence, etc.
A copy of this form is to be kept on file at the business and the original form sent to the investigative division.
I know this is what employers are supposed to do when hiring new help, having had to do this in my job..
The companies that are not doing this could care less about being caught. They figure so what if we are caught, we'll just pay the fine and go on about our business. Fines are not the answer to this type of problem. More severe penalties have to be imposed on the employers.
As long as Policiticians continue pandering to the Hispanic voters and the corporations that hire the illegals, nothing will be done.
My question to the Arizona Pols, why was it easier to go after the little guy (Latinos and those who hire Day Laborers) and not Big Business that hires them in such numbers. Could it have been corporate contributions, you hypocrites.
Jack: I recommend you take a moment and read Immigration & Nationality Act §212(a)(9)(c). Read the law and understand that many of the undocumented persons who are in the U.S. would love to leave and process their papers in their home country. But, they are trapped due to this draconian provision which would bar them from returning for 10 years if they remain unlawfully for one year or longer in the U.S. Try telling this to someone who is married to a U.S. citizen that they must leave the U.S. and risk being barred for 10 years if they process at a consulate abroad. What would you do in that instance? Federal reform is necessary and one change is the removal of this overly punitive law from the INA. It's called cause and effect. This is only a microcosm of many necessary changes.
Jack:
The U.S. Government stopped enforcing Immigration Laws on the day that Senator Edward Kennedy's Immigration bill passed in 1986. Now we have a major unemployment problem and a major drain of US Dollars out of the country. The Federal Government will start paying attention when we, the voters, make this a continuous issue. And no, this is not about 'race', it is about right and wrong.
Thank you Jack for echoing what alot of Arizonan's are thinking...if the federal government would just enforce our existing laws this piece of legislation might not be needed. There is a right way and a wrong way to immigrate to this country and 460,000 illegals in this state have gone about it the wrong way.
ain't gonna happen. the pols are gonna pass amnesty to get more voters for the liberals.
I despair at the inaction of our federal government. I also despair at my “misguided” choice in voting for Obama. It seemed like the right thing to do. I don’t think I’m alone in this. The current federal government seems even more impotent than the preceding one.
Is it just going to get worse each presidential election until we cease to be a nation all together?
Sorry Jack, I have no answers, and I can’t even seem to come up with a helpful comment anymore, I just despair at our condition.
I and so many other Americans need a leader that can effect real change, that can ensure the rights of the minority without ignoring the general welfare of the majority.
I would never have thought that the population of illegal aliens that have snuck into this country would be figured in as minority Americans. How did that happen? If China or Russia invades will be asked to give citizenship to the foreign soldiers after they come across the border?
Do you know anybody that can lead us?
If things get any worse in this country I'm going to enter Mexico illegally and live there. But wait...if I'm there illegally they will just deport me back to my country. That's because they enforce the laws regarding illegal entry into their country. How dare they! I'm going to Mexico City to protest. Anybody want to come along?
Oddly enough, I suspect the Feds may eventually enforce some of the laws already on the books.But that's going to take plenty of pressure from us citizens. And the Dems will be smart to delay any action on immigration until after the election. Repubs, Party of NO, the Dems need you now.
What do I think? I see Hispanics working hard and energetically. I don't know how we in Northern Virginia could manage without them. But I don't think we should give any citizenship priority to illegals already here. When Reagan gave amnesty in 1986, I thought that that legislation would only encourage even more illegal immigrants. I think I was right. Of course, we got NAFTA and other laws also forcing desperate people to flee Latin America.
It's a puzzlement.
Jack,
This is ridiculous. That's like saying if you won't drive your 12-year-old son to the mall, then they should be able to take your car out of the garage and drive the vehicle off a cliff. Arizona taking this issue into their own hands and making a mockery of our justice system and Constitution in the process is not the right approach. The right approach is comprehensive immigration reform, which is a top-tier issue, now that Arizona has created a statewide anti-Hispanic Gestapo.
Brian
Boise, ID
our federal legislators are more concerned about their own welfare than the legal citizens of the united states. maybe they will soon wake up and smell the roses
Jack,
Can you tell me that not one single American Citizen is going to be at best inconvenienced by this new law, or at worst flat-out discriminated against because of it?
Can you guarantee it? Or perhaps put punitive measures in place for those who may be overzealous in its enforcement?
What guarantees can you give me that some legal citizen, as American as you are, won't get the shaft in this entire debacle? Any?
What guarantee can you provide that any economic or financial hardship that results from mistaken identity is compensated fairly?
Or do you just not give a damn?
I guess it doesn't matter as long as your witch hunt against the wetbacks can go on with all systems go.
Somewhat Sarcastically, But Still Sincerely,
Dwayne Pryce
Hi Jack:
Right on!. What is so difficult for these Illegal Aliens to understand. They are in the country illegally. It is a total discrase to see them parading around the streets of Arizona, they need to get a life, get out of the country, go to school and get a job. If immigration is not stopped America will become a third world country.
Of course they're not going to enforce the immigration laws. Isn't it more cost effective to pay someone 5 bucks an hour, as opposed to 15? Thats why i'm still unemployed. San Jose, CA
It's ironic that the government wants to keep on making up new laws yet not enforce those already on the books. It doesn't matter if the majority supports those laws either. Instead, they support those who demand rights but do not want to obey our laws. No doubt they see an opportunity to pander and that is exactly what they are doing.
Not until they address the issue, rather than play ping pong with it.
No they will not. The democrats can't afford to alienate (no pun intended) one of their most important voting groups, and the Republicans could care less if they are not located near the border. But to be more honest, the real answer would be to pass a law stopping employers from hiring illegals. Wait a minute, isn't that what the current laws state??? Force every citizen to show proof of citizenship, regardless of race or sex. If the jobs that hire them dries up, they will not come here. Problem solved. Government can move on to more pressing issues like an entire country on the verge of bankruptcy, unemployment spiking, foreclosures spiking and a two-party system that has ceased to work.
No . . . not until it's politically advantages, only then will enforcement and real border control become a reality.
The Washington politicians do not have America as their foremost interest, getting re-elected, that is Job #1 with these people. Therefor I have made it my policy to never vote for the incumbent, one term is long enough for the corruption to set in.
No, it is up to every day American citizens to vote out the politicians now in office and vote in a new crop who actually read the laws, read the bills, and defend the constitution. Until that happens we will only hear politicians in D.C. reinvent the wheel and take credit for it.
It is good to see Arizona stand up for itself while D.C.'s reaction is just another example of how disconnected it is from its people, you know, just those ordinary dime a dozen individuals called American tax paying citizens.
Right on! It's the government's job to protect US citizens and they aren't doing it. There's no excuse for not enforcing immigration laws and protecting the border.
There's a difference between legal and ILLEGAL immigration!
way to go..we here in Arizona are sick and tired of the illegals problem. Our citizens rights are constantly placed second to those of the ilegals. If a citizen driver hits another he must pay the cost but if it is an illegal he walks and the innocent driver is on the hook. Want to start a real debate...suggest for a minute that we treat hispanics here the same abusive way caucasians are treated in Mexico.
This government has not, nor ever will be serious about cracking down on illegal immigrants. Both sides are afraid of alienating the Latino votes so I expect that another amnesty bill is looming in the near future. It didn't work before to stem the tide and it won't work this time. The only thing it will do is set the illegal counter back to zero! Enough is enough – It's time to get serious, secure the border and enforce the existing laws. Kudos to the governor of Arizona. She has more guts than the federal government.
Al Brown
Gorham, New Hampshire
Just what do you propose? How are you going to "close the borders" without shutting down the economy. I see the Republicans already are saying "no" to immigration reform – so where does this leave the Federal Government? How come it became this huge urgent issue just because Mr. Obama is in power – this problem has been ongoing for well over 30 years, but now it's this President's problem. You all are a little too quick to DEMAND from this President what you wouldn't even QUESTION from any other President. Be part of the solution Jack and not part of the problem.
I dont see the Government enforcing laws on the books. They didn't do it yesterday and they wont do it in the future until its to late. The Democrats might very well try a quick reform bill for political reasons only before Midterm elections knowing very well it wont pass. That way they can a least say they tried. Hoping to get as many votes as they can from the Latino population this fall.
The only way we will ever see our borders secured and our immigration laws enforced federally is when Americans elect a president who isn't a globalist, NWO, chamber of cheap labor/commerce, ethnic pandering, world government U.N. toady.
Barach Obama and many before him do not acknowledge nor believe in the sovereignty of the United States. Nor recognize nor care about America's culture. They only see our borders and our patriotic citizens as obstacles to be ignored or attacked. American citizens will have to secure our borders by themselves and with commonsense laws just passed in Arizona.
So. Cal
No the feds will never enforce the nations immigration laws. The businesses that hire them give so much money to the political parties that the government is beholden to them to the point of ruining our nation. Did you know that 53% of Immigrant families recieved some form of public assistance. (That includes those that immigrated legally). Every time an [uninsured] illegal has a baby in this county it costs taxpayers $54,000. Bankrupt the country with these people. If there were not so many illegals the employment rate would not be as bad as it is now. I am all for legal immigration, but these ancor babies have got to go!
Yea lets close one of the longest borders in the world to everyone.
And strangle trade
And spend billions to do so.
And isolate America from the world.
And accomplish nothing.
And really ravaged? I really didn't pick you as a xenophobe.
when wlll the coporation stop using illegals?
When the general public will be living to pay a fair price for products that are produced by corporations who hire legal workers.
The public is as much to blame as anyone else.
immigration laws will only be enforced after terrorists illegally enter our country through mexico and attack us.
Jack, of course they will, just as soon as they finish granting amnesty to all the criminals presently illegally in this country. They need all those new votes to prepetuate the movement toward the socialist welfare state that the progressives so badly want. One thing that you can bet on is that as soon as the Democrats get amnesty passed, they'll make a BIG show about closing the borders and enforcing the "NEW" laws, until the next time they need to add numbers to their welfare voter's base
Victor Viramontes, senior legal counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, said "most undocumented immigrants follow the laws of the country." Obviously he did not do well on the bar exam and isnt very educated since EVERY undocumented immigrant has broken the law.
Sure they will.......after they change it to buy the votes they need.
After Arizona's recent immigration law is determined to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court the federal government will step in with a solution that permits those Mexican immigrants already here to stay as long as they register to pay taxes and become law abiding citizens. A new group of Mexican border enforcement officers will be recruited on the Mexican side to keep potential border crossers employed and in their own country. This employment program should be paid for equally by the U.S. and Mexico with harsher punishments for those filtering through.
Will the federal government ever enforce our immigration laws?
No, not as long as politicians see a greater value in pandering to the Hispanic vote.
While the new law in Arizona does have some ambiguity in its language, I don't blame the state legislature for doing what the Federal Government has failed to do for so long. Securing our boarders should be a top priority of the Obama Administration and we have heard almost nothing about it.
Jack,
Not as long as Illegals are seen as potential votes. Which, let's be honest, is what is really what's going on here.
The real problem is the activists on the left who have decided to fire off the "nuclear racism bomb" whenenver anyone tries to enforce ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
Who in their right mind at a federal level would expose themselves to that unwarranted brand?
John in Tucson
i,m sorry to say Jack,but NO, the federal government WILL NOT enforce our immigration laws, and because of it, our economy will continue to suffer. "Anchor Babies", free health care, housing, transportation, food stamps and the list goes on...continue to drain our economy each and every day, year-after-year and the folks in Washington-most of them- turn a deaf ear to the majority of Americans who are sick of it. I'm proud that the Arizona legislature took a stand, the same needs to be done across the nation
No way Jack; The lobbists are too strong, Contractors are paying congress to look the other way, as long as we let lobbying do we will never have congress to do things right
Jack, if the federal government were to enforce the very immigration laws that they placed on the books, they would be the ones facing the heat that Arizona is facing today. There is no "right" to come to any country illegally, and those who are illegal should not get to become legal unless they make the application in their HOME country. The fact that a large number of non-Hispanic citizens showed up at a meat packing plant in Southern Minnesota to apply for jobs that the illegals did until the immigration raid last year proves that Americans WILL do the jobs. Especially in these hard times!!
Jack,
Congress can pass 1,000 immigration bills that target Illegal Immigrants and it will not stop them from coming to this country when there is a demand for them.
How about targeting the Employers and enforce the laws against hiring illegal workers?
Better yet, let's target the consumers!! If consumers did not demand low prices at the checkout counter, then employers would not look towards hiring illegals as a way to cut production costs.
Funny Jack, that by just saying "Washington DC," I suddenly feel dirty and have the need for a long, hot shower. These political boneheads will never enforce the laws of our nation. We all know it by name, don't we? It's called political correctness. It flows like raw sewage down the steps of the capital building and we get to swim in it everyday. Then the icing on the cake is Al Sharpton calling everyone who believes in enforcing our laws, racists. Only in America!
I think it’s a shame that those in this country illegally have more rights than citizens – all because they serve as a cheap form of labor. Those in this country illegally are criminals and deserved to be punished, not rewarded. They show a total disrespect for our laws, refuse to learn English, and want Amnesty for violating our laws. Is it possible for us to deport 11 million illegal immigrants? No. But if we enforce our laws and make them stronger, this problem will take care of it self. Without a job, car, social services, or a place to live, life in the US would be pretty unbearable and they would go home. The solution is simpler than what our elected officials in Washington lead us to believe.
I guess midterms are closing by and thats when congress suddenly remembers who voted them in, otherwise its always about scoring political points and nothing gets done. Immigration laws ? what Federal Goverment.
No – too hot a topic if it is enforced. At least Arizona did something and Jack, I couldn't have said this better. Bravo!
If there is not going to be enforcement of the imigration laws we have now and continued lack of secure borders why not just let everybody in who wants to come here. No more waiting lists or quotas for European countries, etc.Now that would be fair.
Way to go, people of Arizona! It's about time someone started upholding the laws of this country. The rest of the states ought to do this as well since Washington doesn't care about the American people.
I don't think they will enforce the immigration laws as the only way to do this is to outlaw immigration totally, use the military to close all borders by whatever means necessary and imprison all immigrants who are now here, either illegally or legally in concentration camps, unless their skin color is lilly white and they speak perfect english. If this sounds ridiculous, think again. We've done it before. I personaly pray this never happens, but this Arizona law could very well open the door to this. By the way, I'm a US citizen and am white.
Madison WI
Jack, I am apalled at the steps Arizona recently took, but I am equally mystified as to why the borders have never been sealed between the US and Mexico in the first place. The only way meaningful immigration reform can be achieved is if we first seal those borders! How hard could it be? Increase the manpower, increase the patrols, take the time to look for tunnels, and put in place better monitoring via motion detectors and cameras. You would think that sealing the borders could have been done by now. Makes you wonder if some folks don't actually want the borders sealed...(be careful what you wish for).
Jack: If they do, I will grow back the hair that I loss---and you will be able to retire. Wishful thinking!
This has been a hot topic many years and with the numbers of un documented imigrants in the US we should all take note. Immigration reform is not amnesty they are two different issues. Just because your state is not a border state that does not mean that it is some one elses problem. I commend Arizona on their attemeps to get it right and do the right thing. What will all the people the are against the law or enforcing the law do when we all find out the crime rate is down. The illiegle immigrantrs are sent back where they came from and the social servces are back in budget.
From Fairfield ,California. Yes Jack I agree with you. We don't need reform, we have laws on the books. It's very interesting to see the AZ. collage students protest agianst the law, but why aren't they protesting the people that break the laws. Not one student is raising their voice for that. Why are there no rallies for that, no one holding signs, marching and saying come into this country the lawful way, don't break our laws. Respect our laws and our country. Why is that. Why aren't the press asking them that question. It really shows who is misguided.
I couldn't agree with you more. And no, I doubt they will do anything except try to make Arizona change their new law. I hope that Arizona will hold firm and that more of the border states will follow suit.
We have become so politically correct that it is becoming a joke. I personally would have no problem being required to carry "legalization" papers if it would help to stop this unwelcome intrusion by illegals and the crime that comes with them.
I have lived in southern California my whole life and seen first hand the changes that have come about because of illegal aliens coming here and the burden supporting them has placed on the state. When I drive through the areas where most of them live, I am appalled by the damage to the neighborhoods, the graffitti everywhere, the the crime that spills over into nearby areas, etc.
I would like to know if there is any other country in the world that would allow this kind of influx of illegals into their country!!! And I am emphasizing illegal, because I believe that the USA should welcome legal immigrants.
Jack. In a word no. As long as there is so much money to be made by exploiting illegals and lobbists spreading around campaign contributions, Congress will never do anything but window dress the issue. What we really need is a way to filter the good, hard working people from the less savory types. Most of these folks are decent and do jobs most Americans consider beneath their dignity to do. Can't we stop some of the influx of "legal" immigrants that have arrived and taken jobs from Americans by working for about a half of what it takes to hire someone from this country? This is one of many reasons I no longer support either major party in this country.
What Immigration law??
After 13 years of being legal, and having paid close to 100, 000 USD in taxes and social service deductions, I am still a lousy visa worker with no end in sight to move to next level(Green Card).
Being in AZ means I now get to carry my work permit or get sent to jail. Woohooo!!! Maybe this is one reason why USA is nomore the most favored country for the bright immigrants.
I guess midterms are closing by and thats when congress suddenly remembers who voted them in, otherwise its always about scoring political points and nothing gets done. Immigration laws ? what Federal Goverment
Jack, I don't always agree with you...but this definitely one time that I do! So a state had to take a stand and say/do what the feds have been refusing to, enforce the law. All I can say is it is about time, and I hope that more states come around and begin to do the same thing!!
The question should be. Why so many people emmigrated to the North in the past 10 years?Is this the result of a broken free trade system that only benefit the friends of the North(US,Canada)?
This game is to old and to big to ignore.
I haven't read Arizona's immigration law to say I approve or disapprove of it, but I know that if you live in another country, the government has ever right to search and ask for your ID; such as, Israel, China, etc.
I think there needs to be a clear distinction between illegals and citizens, and it seems we cater more the illegals than we do for our citizens. Perhaps, it's time we draw the line.
I hope so, Jack. Because foreigners are trying to convince our own sitting President to ignore the will of the American people, this could perhaps be the best "Communist test" ever for Obama. If Obama overturns this law then we are officially headed towards becoming a Communist state, where the will of the people no longer has a voice.
The problem is, because the government has failed to uphold the laws, that the local economies are somewhat dependent on illegal aliens. A sudden enforcement of the laws will have as much devastation to the area businesses as to the families it will deport. If an illegal has no criminal record and is a responsible economic participant why not give them amnesty with credit towards citizenship based on work history?
Jack,
I've lived in Miami my entire life, I'm 63. We are a perfect example of what a once beautiful city can morph into. With the virtually uncontrolled Cuban Exodus we are now # 1 in Mortgage fraud, Medicare fraud, insurance fraud & on & on. These people don't care about America, they only want to fleece this country for every dolar they can
Jack
Truth be told, the Federal Government is enforcing the Federal immigration laws now but they are not very effective or efficient at it. Both Dems and Republicans know that the agencies responsible for enforcement of the immigration laws already on the books are severely understaffed and underfunded. Corporate America doesn't want to see the existing immigrations laws enforced as that would diminish their profit margins. Politicians don't want to see these laws enforced as that would threaten their dependence on a large voting block that could land them or keep them in the majority. And even though you didn't ask, Arizona doesn't not have the constitutional authority to enforce Federal/National immigration laws.
Definitely not. If this goes into federal law and this will be total waste of tax payers money and legalize discrimination. This is putting burdens on 95% of good people because of 5% bad behaved people. The approach is totally wrong.
AMAZING article!!!!! I'm sure liberals won't like it but what a great article.
Jack,
You hit it right on the nail.
No need for "new" laws , just obey the present ones.
I am a naturalized US citizen for the past 14 years.
Did everything according to the rules.
Obviously the present laws are not "convenient" to people who already knowingly broke them.
That's the reason why they want the rules changed , once the game started.
Unless pandering is the name of the game!!
Because the government has failed to uphold the laws, the local economies are somewhat dependent on illegal aliens. A sudden enforcement of the laws will have as much devastation to the area businesses as to the families it will deport. If an illegal has no criminal record and is a responsible economic participant why not give them amnesty with credit towards citizenship based on work history?
One of the biggest obstacles they face is that the Reagan Amnesty bill of 1986 just made the situation worse because the borders weren't secured first. Back in 1986, there were only around 3M illegals here at the time. Now estimates indicate this number is around 11M.
This shouldn't be a political issue nor a race issue. Crossing the border illegally and using false documentation is a crime – period, end of discussion. Do not pass GO, do not collect $500 – just go home and wait in line.
Another question to ask would be:
When did arresting someone for doing something illegal become racist?
Jack you are missing a vital point. I think there is a vast difference in enforcement by a government agency Vs the local police force don't you?
For Immigration agents this is their career and job that they are trained for. It is not the same for your average cop. That is why people object to this new law. It turns the average policeman into judge and jury .Not the job of the police.
No, we will not enforce our existing immigration laws to the degree they should be. If and when immigration reform is enacted it will not solve all of the problems and will create larger problems. Forinstance if amensty is apart of the plan and the immigrants do not meet certain income levels they will be given tax breaks, financial assistance, reduced healthcare costs, and other subsidies. I believe we should allow all non-felons illegal immigrants to have work visa’s as long as they work, pay taxes, they should not receive any financial assitance, and sisnce they broke the law they should never receive citizenship to our great nation.
Yes Jack, When it effects their jobs.
No, the federal government will not enforce these laws willingly.
The Illegals are an asset to this corrupt government.
The people themselves will have to take matters in hand.
In a sane and logical world maybe. Untill the American people stand up and send a message to our "elected" officials that they understand we've had enough of there dereliction of duty, things will continue as they are, with our "elected" officials bowing to special interest groups and corporate execs.
Not while we have a progressive or a socialist in office who is able to convince hispanics (and use them) that it is in their best interest to re-elect the same. I welcome legal hispanic Americans, these people have sought a better life and in most all cases are willing to work and earn it. But unrestricted illegal immigration and border passage will sooner or later result in the US adopting most, if not all, of Mexico's problems, and then there will be no "good place" to go... Then will hispanic Americans want to shut the boarder? What will it matter then?
If not now then I don't believe it will ever happen...at least not in my lifetime. With the economic, unemployment, and security issues currently facing our country, never will there be a more important time to move forward with closing our borders to ILLEGAL immigrants.
This very much falls in line with the problems we are facing with the outsourcing of American jobs on the cheap and bringing foreigners into our country on H1B and L1 Visas to replace American workers...if our politicians don't bring a stop to it in THIS economy then when will they ever???
36 years old
Casselberry, FL
I really thought tea party and others that are angry with federal govt didnt want total control by the feds but now they want the money and ferderal govt army to be there my question is fed GOOD or BAD ?
No, I do not believe the Federal Government will enforce immigaration laws. As we saw in the movie "Gangs of New York" one politican said to another as they witnessed dead Irishmen post fighting..."that's a lot of votes laying there." Unfortunately border states will suffer the economic and criminal brunt. This illegal movement will then spread as quickly as H1N1 unto other interior states. Thus we will be the Unites States of Anyone Who Makes It Across The Fence.
Mr. Cafferty with CNN and the other media serving up headlines such as "Bullock spied without wedding ring" why should we be concerned with illegals and our open borders? That's also a shame
Probably not. Most politicians are too concerned with protecting their future- and that means votes from anyone in the next election. It's one reason for such anger- elected officials have forgotten how they swore to uphold the Constitution and represent their constituents.
Hard to believe there are folks more concerned with the rights of those here illegally than for our citizens, but it appears to be true. Here illegally should mean- your ONLY right is to return home.
Remember the Bracero program?? Up until the mid 1960's it worked. Young mexicans looking for temporary work were brought into the Country for a specified period, then sent home. Who killed the program? the greedy who wanted even cheaper labor –hence the illegal immigration began in earnest. Nearly 50 years later we are reaping the result.
What should be done is to CRIMINALLY prosecute those who hire the illegals big fines and big jail time for all who hire them–then it would reverse.
No, the federal government will never enforce immigration law. The Democrats see the influx of all the illegals as prospective voters for the Democratic Party. The Republicans see the influx of illegals as cheap labor for big corporations. The American citizen is the loser, but who cares about them, certainly not the politicians in Washington.
If the government is not going to enforce our current immigration laws and secure our borders I think we should quit keeping lists and quotas for other countries in Europe, etc. and just let everybody in who wants to come here. Now that would be fair. Diane Kelly, 59l Tamarisk Lane, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014
Jack,
Our corporate-persons support the free labor who have no recourse to fair labor standards..
There will be NO infringement on our corporate-person's ability to make a big profit from enslavement of those with no voice or rights.
No, Jack the uber rich and corporate-persons own the government and they will not act to limit their profits. But we, the public, will return them to office.
The government will approach illegal immigration in the same manner it has always approached it… They will talk about it, debate and maybe pass a new law. However, the largest problems with illegal immigration are a lack of an enforcement mechanism that can truly enforce the laws. People are arrested, sent to immigration court and then released or released to their own country to start the vicious cycle over again. They need to have several arms of enforcement to truly make a difference. My thoughts are to –
1) Investigate and charge crippling fines to anyone hiring illegal immigrants. If there are no jobs then the need to come here will be gone.
2) Charge the governments of the illegal immigrants for the costs to combat the problem. Governments like Mexico have said they cannot stop someone crossing the border illegally because while their side of the border the person is not illegal, it’s only after they cross the border that they have broken the law. If these countries do not want to secure their borders then they should help us pay to secure ours.
3) Use California’s three strikes rule and apply it to illegal immigration. After the third strike of being caught here illegally then you get a life sentence. However while in prison they will be required to work on civil works projects to again save the government money.
Jack, with the crazy and convoluted way Washington operates, no one will ever tell whether the government WILL start enforcing the current immigration laws. But you are sure correct that they SHOULD enforce the law.
Never Jack. it is not politically expedient for the cowards in our congress ( small c intentionally since I have no respect for them anymore ). I have a suggestion I have not heard anyone propose. Whey not adopt Mexico's immigratiuon laws and enforce them! Then the illegal Mexicans couldn't complain, could they? Bet you they would.
Yes Jack, its Washington as usual, but don't blame this ALL on Pres Obama...Dems & Reps alike have all failed miserably in securing our borders 9yrs AFTER 9/11. Where this bill & the current (albeit) non-enforced federal law differ is that the federal law does not give cops carte blanche to stop people based upon the perception that one may be in this country illegally. Guarantee not one white person will be stopped under the AZ law!
Yes, we need to enforce the existing federal laws. More importantly, we need to begin sending those that hire illegals to jail. STOP punishing just those who come here illegally. Last time I checked, contributing to the commission of a crime is just as illegal as committing the crime itself.
Will the federal government ever enforce our immigration laws?
No, I am in agreement with your comments about pandering to the Hispanic voters and the corporations that hire the illegals.
Immigration is a hot issue for Arizona. What is disappointing; our Senators are well aware 70 percent of Arizona voters support the new law however, they (Both Senators) are not publically standing behind the Arizona voters and apparently are looking for a middle of the road policy that will satisfy Washington and allow them to position themselves for reelection.
When other states start to enact the same laws–someone will have to listen, they can't call all of us 'misguided'.
Had America's laws been enforced for the past 20+ yrs, we wouldn't be in this mess. Time to get smart, obey the law of the land, support Americans and let everyone else go home and make a difference in the land they came from. America is broke and can't support their own, why should we support the rest of the world. Kudo's to Arizona for telling it like it is.
Fredericksburg Va.
Who would believe they would after all this time and with the lack of effort that has been demonstrated. The Democrats have no reason to push for enforcement. The more Hispanics, the more votes for them. It is abhorent that they do not have the political will to solve this ever growing problem. I have no faith in the Feds. No faith that Congress will do what the people demand. Other States must rally around Arizona and enforce the law. The over welming majority wants the borders sealed and many want to severely limit legal immigration. I stand with them.
NO! As a resident of New Mexico, I see what the lack of border tightening has done. I applaud my neighbors in Arizona for taking this step. "I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore."
The answer to your question is no. You might have a polls saying 70% of the Arizona voters support the new law. But see how many keep hiring illegals for cheap labor. The right thing to do would be enforce the laws on the books and protect our borders. But that will never happen because today we have politicians running our gov't that never transferred over to being the leader that they promise to be if elected.
At least as much as the American Indians did.
I completely agree with what you have to say here in this brief article. I am completely amazed that anytime we try to enforce immigration laws someone has to throw the race card into the mix. I live here in AZ and hear people questioning if their rights are going to be trampled on or that now anyone who looks hispanic will be racially profiled. This new law merely makes it mandatory for people working here to carry their cards proving they are here legally. This, in concept, is like having to carry your drivers license to prove you can drive the car you are in. My point of view on it is if you have nothing to hide, are here legally, or are a US citizen what does it hurt to be asked this question. Unfortunately, until we can effectively close our borders and find a way to let people in here to work, which is completely respectable, we need laws like this.
No, as long as they think they can suck some Mexican votes. God forbid they insult the Illegals or their families, also illegals.
Finally a State has the overalls to pass anything that would enforce, or try to, the real immigration laws of the land. Hopefully Washington realizes that this is the way to go.
Jack, I often disagree with you, but on this point, you are spot on. Stay loud on this.
Bless you Jack Cafferty! Finally, someone in the media is telling the truth about this law. There is a reason why 70 percent of Arizonans support this law and it's not because we're all a bunch of redneck racists. In fact, many of us have strong ties to the immigrant community and simply want to see immigration law enforced equally across the board – no more exceptions.
Amen! One day we will take the gerbils off of their Capitol treadmills, return them to their respective local cage, require them to stay there throughout the current Congressional session, feed them on the issues that matter to their owners, and then when they vote it will reflect the true voice of the People.
It's more about creating "Legal Discrimination", than enforcing the Immigration Law. If a new Law comes up and says that from now on you are going to be stopped based on your background and your looks and if you don't get stopped, another person that will like to see you stopped can sue the authorities... Well, to me it is nothing but pure racial bias discrimination!!
Modern day slavery exist and it's calle Illegal immigrants, the "Owners" don't want to give freedom to them, the same way that they oppossed in the past to free the African-american Slaves!
Jack,
Yes. But when Obama finally does something about illegal immigration, I don't want to hear any noise about him being anti-Hispanic and folks like you opposing his decision. Try supporting your President for once...it really isn't that bad.
Jack, right on! You hit the nail right on the head!
Az, This law obviously has some good intentions as to the saving of Arizona from being overrun by illegals. The problem is, that it doesn't do enough to seperate the illegal immigrant population and the legal immigrant population in it's concept. The federal goverment uses Arizona as a rehabilitation site for refugees, etc for example, which gives an unecessary burden to the police to manage, which they are not equiped to do. Although the intention is good, the policy is so broad that it doesn't really fix anything, except for put Arizona in the lime light. Economically, we cannot deal with the lawsuits because Arizona is experiencing financial hardship. The federal government needs an intelligent but tougher leader to find true solutions.
Now congress gets interested. Anything but jobs. They hold hearings about wall street, auto makers, each other, etc. but the one thing the American people need help on, JOBS. They want to stay away from that subject. So Arizona actually does something to enforce the laws of this country, and Obama jumps up wrings his hands and makes yet another proclamation. What is it about ILLEGAL that he doesnt understand? Expect another " down throat of America because I say so"deal on this one.
Absolutely no. Democrats("Think globaly, act locally"-How broad minded!.) eye on votes while Rebpublicans want to please the Businesses who make use of cheap labor. Illegal immigratioin from the south of the border is a Trogen horse. Both the parties are winners, as long as they are silent on illegals & the hard working Americans are the losers.
Jack, the "Washington gerbils" better wake up. The border "is wide open" and people, drugs, and possibly terrorist are crossing in droves on both sides up north and down south. Every day we hear locally of the drug pipeline passing along the I-35 corridor and you know what it is a big pipeline. 4 X 4 trucks are stolen here at an alarming rate and are taken south to be used to transport illegals across our porous border. Arizona had it right, call a spade a spade, and put the federal government in a squeeze play to enforce what is already on our law books. They aren't asking for anything new, just enforcement of what past "Washington gerbils " passed before.
Jack why would the party in power want to close the borders?
They see the potential for millions of new voters if they are able to force amnisty down the people's throats.
The unions dont even care if illeagls are crushing the wages of thier members. SEIU sees the potential for more members and more power....since SEIU visited the white house 10 times in a year I doubt thier president will be enforcing the law anytime soon
I think the government has been trained to only respond to special interest groups. They don't fear most americans they fear vocal special interest groups and lobbyists. They are terrified of hispanics voting as a block but what about the other 70%? Until they fear the majority only special interests will be serviced. Vote out everyone in Congress and make a point of saying that you are voting them out due to them pandering to special interest like banks and hispanics. We are the only country on the planet that doesn't enforce immigration laws. They are laws and they are being broken and they need to be enforced, period! Why respect they law if it's selectively enforced?
More importantanly will the Border Patrol enforce the laws. Look what happened to the 2 agents that were prosecuted for shooting an illegal in the butt for bringing illegal drugs into this country. Let the politicians patrol the border, oh never mind, they are so easily bought we would have a real problem then.
No, the fed will never properly enforce illegal immigration - because the only effective way to accomplish it is to heavily fine and-or jail business owners who hire illegals. Reagan started us on the downslope with his so-called amnesty scheme as a political payoff to big agriculture in California who contributed heavily to his election efforts.
The Arizona law is wrongheaded in that it punishes the wrong people; it should be punished anyone doing the hiring. Nothing else will work.
I thought there are 70% mexican american in Arizona. I think the article is wrong.
I believe the federal goverment will eventually enforce our immigration laws that already set forth by law. There also may be some changes to the law made by the federal goverment. Each state can't always rely on the federal goverment to make decisions for them and Arizona is a prime example of what to do when there is no assistance from the federal goverment. They made a decision, voted, and now it's in the books. They took the initiative to perform the duties they are already suppose to be performing. This is what we pay elected officials to do. The state goverment runs the state with regards to federal regulations. If the federal goverment doesn't act on issues, then it is the duty of state officials to act accordingly just as the state of Arizona did. Whether I agree with the law, that's still up in the air, but I commend them for doing something about the issue versus doing nothing at all!
Graves in Germany- Citizen of Virginia
It is unfortunate that the politicians in Wasington refuse to tackle the illigal immigration issue or enforce current laws. Our borders remain open or at the very least porous, and the border states in particular are bearing the financial brunt of their care though our asisstance programs, public services, and healthcare. Maybe the border states should suggest that a special tax be placed on paychecks of members of congress to help defer these costs–then watch them scamble to fix this mess.
Cafferty, this is the worst peice of crap article I have ever read by you, and there are many examples to chose from. There has been debate for decades on this issue and your article fails miserably to understand the complexities of the issue and the fact that existing federal law is severely flawed. Also, it is a known fact that looking at this from a federal perspective has been planned for the near future anyway, even if generations of governments have ignored it.
I also thought we brought down the Berlin Wall. What is this wall and where are they located?
The responsibility to enforce our immigration laws should belong to the Federal government and not the states as is enumerated in the United States Constitution.
Therefore for a state like Arizona to be the enforcer of immigration laws is an attack on the authority of the Federal government. Thus Az has overstepped its jurisdictional authority, and is an outlaw state more or less. Have a nice day.
Never. Why? Because Corporate America is greed driven to reap the highest profits it can regardless of means or consequence. How do they accomplish their goal? Simple. Exploitation of workers. Cheap labor at all costs. Congress with the two Bush administrations and the anti-labor administration of Reagan made sure the borders would be opened wide for big business to access a constant and readily available cheap labor force. It does not take a genius to figure out immigration laws were enacted merely to placate the American public. Laws are only enforced on the little people in the America of today. Hell, Congress won't even adhere to the Constitution we so hypocritically profess to believe in. No, it's ALL about money and that is our government's bottom line. Poverty or low wages is a government's greatest means of controlling its citizens.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
You are right on Jack. all I've heard so far, is how this is just like the Nazi' 's did to people, particularly Jews, during those terrible times.
Yes it is extreme to make people carry papers of identification, but what has the Fed. done?
This is not a war against innocent people, although some will be inconvenienced and many will be offended. You are also correct that it will give all the politicians and talking heads a chance to spew their "politically correnct," feelings to the audience.
Good call, Jack.
Jack,
Arizona should have followed the advice offered by Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs: First principles, Clarice. Simplicity.
First, ban all wire money transfers from the United States to Mexico unless accompanied by legal proof of residence.
Second, reduce current foreign aid to Mexico by the estimated societal cost of each undocumented resident and send this money to the states most affected. Mexico receives at least 35 million dollars per year from the U.S.
When the money dries up, compliance with the law usually follows.
Most of us just don't comment on the problem for fear of being labeled discriminatory or racist. You are absolutely right, we just need to go after businesses that hire illegals. The one that is misguided or delusional is our president. The average American knows the remedy but not the government? NO! The feds will not act. They need to continue protecting fat cats and contributors to their campaigns. I live in Springfield, Oregon (a blue collar neighbor to Eugene and formerly a wood products producer before the Feds closed the forests to logging and killed that industry.
Get em Jack. As a service member and war veteran, this issue is disgusting to even see. I know many people who have joined the military for citizenship, they make a proper sacrafice inorder to gain what many of us have given much for.
No amnesty should be given for those who commited crimes against this country, that includes being an Illegal alien. I don't care if you voted for this president or the family hosting you did. Get out and stay out until you can use the proper channels to gain entry to this fine country we call The United States of America.
Jack quoting people isn't responsible news coverage. There is no way 70% of Arizona voters support this law as 30% of Arizona voters are Hispanic and the chances of 90-100% of all the other ethnic and cacausion votes supporting this is zero.
Jack,
I can't say I agree with your political opinions on a regular basis, but I am completely with you on this one. We do not need immigration reform! We need to enforce the laws we already have on the books. "Immigration Reform" means re-writing our laws so that illegals become legal and politicians keep the Hispanic vote. I am not against immigration. I truly support the idea we are a nation of immigrants. "Legal immigrants"! My wife is an immigrant and she did it the legal way. When people sneak across our border, they are knowingly breaking the law (hence sneaking). Arrest and deport illegals and fine anyone who hires them. If no one hires them, they won't keep sneaking across the border. Is this too simple? It is from our politicians' point of view. Because? Because the number one concern most of our politicians have the day they get elected is to make sure they get re-elected. Demonstrates just one of the many reasons we need term limits.
Him big smoke and no fire should be Obama and the entire federal government's motto when it comes to illegal immigration. Heaven forbid that the laws of our country should be enforced. It might seem politically incorrect to all those voices who scream racist anytime anyone suggests that we don't need hordes of unskilled and poorly educated people streaming into the country at will. I say bravo Arizona for saying enough is enough. Too bad my own state, New Mexico, and my own city, Santa Fe, doesn't have the will to do the same.
This is an old problem with a solution in law for for decades. The means of entering the country legally, with a green card or visa, to work for a sponsoring business is still on the books. So has the means for determining immigration status. Ask any Canadian. The problem lies with businesses wanting cheap labor they can keep under their thumbs, illegal workers encouraged by their governments to come here and send earnings back home, and politicians conditioned to find a means of exploiting a problem long before solving it. All we can do is vote, and too few of us will.
Jack,
I agree with your opinion. The federal government shows total disregard for existing immigrations laws. When a state, saddled with the costs of illegal immigration tries to do something, then it is labled "misguided." So now the federal government would like to change the laws to fit the crime and labels it "reform." No wonder people have so little faith in our government.
If the United States and plenty of its citizens really wanted to enforce illegal immigration then the country would not have an estimated 11-20 million illegals in the country. The country talks out of both sides of the mouth. We need the cheap labor because all of us want to keep cost down. If we are honest with ourselves, are there really enough of us Americans to take over the jobs illegals do on the cheap? No. We rather pay the illegal to cut our grass for cheaper than to pay a higher demanded wage for an American. We Americans need our personal budgets to stretch farther and companies need to make profits with lower wages. It is a double edge sword. However there is substantial growth seen in the border states with Hispanics whether American born or immigrated. The growth is so robust that local Americans in these states and cities are feeling crowded by so many illegals. Houston has the reputation among its own citizens by decrying the local government for letting the city become a sanctuary city.
i am from Boston Massachusetts. Clearly i can see the writers view on the Issue. Good job CNN. There are 12 million people who cannot be ignored and lets not forget all those legal ones? coming from immigrants? their vote doesnt count does it? well let me ask you.. do you believe we should just kick all these people out?
Jack,
Just leave it to the states. They seem to be the only people willing to take action and make tough decisions. I live in California and we are handling the same sex marriage and legal marijuana issues with state wide votes. I think this immigration issues can also be resolved like that.
I do suggest however, to ease the racial tension that all be stopped and questioned.. Whites, blacks, hispanics, asians, etc...
We have to stop making race the (defacto) cause of our problems. It is to convenient.
And I am a African-American..
No, not the way they were written, not for the intended reasons.
Not only do the illegals in this country not understand "illegal" but neither does either party. The only concern either party has is how can I get the hispanic vote caring less about the American people. Reagan granted amnesty to over 12 million illegals with the hope it would stop the problem and instead it just created a larger one. The illegals are sucking our social security programs dry, causing school systems to find teachers to teach non English speaking children and allowing them to walk the streets freely.
The Hispanic Congressmen who are lamblasting Arizona should be removed from office for advocating these people to continue breaking federal laws.
This administration should direct the Justice Department to begin enforcing all laws relative to immigration. This sympathy approach not to do anything to illegals because it would separate families is ridiculous. They knew they were breaking the law and should accept the punishment.
Nope. Unless there is a terrorist attack that is perpetrated by an illegal alien. And even then, who knows...
The liberal government that we currently have in place will never enforce our immigration laws. I have to ask, what part of illegal is not clear? I can't cross the border into Mexico without serious consequences. I can't own land in Mexico. I can't go and work down there as a day laborer. I ask you, why do the people who cross are borders, and those that support them, feel that they have a right to do so? Last time I checked, they didn't. So why should they now? Rome fell when they started giving Roman citizenship to everyone, and it was no longer special to be a Roman citizen. Is that what we want here? I say no.
The Federal Gov. will address 'illegal immigration' along with all the other issues that have been kicked down the road for decades, President Obama is addressing these issues one at a time, but there is a body of people called 'Congress' who seem to be more interested in re-election than in doing the right thing for our country..... and would someone tell me what an illegal looks like?
I know illegals from Euopean countries who own businesses here in Albuquerque NM doing over a million a year. They pay others to provide documentation for tax and payroll issues. God bless Jan Brewer for taking a step in right direction! Tell em' to go home and fix their own country.
Why would the debate on Immigration be any different from all the rest of the hypocracy in Washington? There is a lack of leadership and courage at all levels ! The President and Congress 'threw Americans under the bus long ago' as they pursued their own agendas and special interests !!
Hmm.. this seems like less of a real question than just stating your position on this issue Jack, which quite frankly surprises me. So, I'll make it simple for you. The main reason the government cant enforce the immigration law is because the current framework is dysfunctional. But alas, there are many, many more reasons, such as
#1 – Many industries in this country owe their profitability to employing large amount of low cost immigrant labor...
#2 – there is no practical or AFFORDABLE – way to round up and deport +11M people...
#3 – even if you deport 11M people, there are still an exponential number of US citizen dependents who will be left behind.. what do you do? put them all in foster homes?, shelters? or do we also deport US citizens who are dependent on undocumented parents?
#4 – the IRS loves illegal immigrants. Contrary to what some people think, many do pay their taxes using ITINs, and RARELY file for a refund because they are afraid, and thats a pretty good deal for the government...
and on.. and on.. so you see Jack, its not as simple as just saying "enforce the laws".. the laws have to change in order to have a viable and affordable solution to this complex problem..
There have been a great many other laws that have been on the books that, very thankfully, weren't enforced either. Most of these are now looked back on pretty much with embarrassment, such as all of the segregation laws, as well as laws making consensual homosexual acts a criminal offense. Sometimes reform instead of enforcement is the right answer, but how would you know unless you have the discussion?
Laws on books have always been interpreted with time. We do not ticket for public kissing, do we, even though it is in books (atleast in NY).
It does appear, however, that with time and circumstances, when all of a sudden there aren't enough jobs, America needs a villain to blame, and these are the "illegal" immigrants – for now.
Guess who's next – legal immigrants?
Jack,
I doubt the Federal government has the will; courage or even concern for it's citizens enough to enforce what we currently have on the books. As you so rightly put it our politicans are too busy "...pandering to the Hispanic voters and the corporations that hire the illegals" to care what the H??? happens to those of us born here; paying taxes here; and even voting here. What happended to playing by the rules? Oh, right that's only if I go over the speed limit or break some other rule that allows government to generate more revenue, correct? God help us! Does anyone have the courage to stand up for those of us who try to follow the rules?
Its all fun and games untill someone sneaks a nuclear weapon across the border.
Jack, with 70% of Arizonans supporting this bill, it sounds like the lawmakers in Arizona have done something that the Federal government refuses to do – listen to the people. Imagine that! We have immigration laws on the books already. We need to enforce them, and not waste time re-inventing the wheel.
Caff...
You're right as rain in Arizona.. The feds are full of kaka on this issue. Could someone in that federal mess attach their nads? No way am I a Republican, but Arizona's lawmakers are my heroes.
I think the federally will do something. Arizona, whether misguided or not (I think not) has forced the hand of the federal government to act. This is a serious problem in my country and drastic measures need to be taken to fix it. I commend Arizona for being bold and standing up for itself.
Enforcing our immigration laws is never going to happen because that would mean going after employers. Everybody is always willing to beat up on the actual immigrants but no one is ever willing to go after the employers who actually are the real reason for the illegal immigrant problem.
Syracuse, NY
The Federal Gov't has not, is not and will never do thier job to keep illegal immigrants out of this country. Just the one's that work "under the table" are costing this country billions in employee and employer tax dollars. Everybody knows it is true. We have to stop lieing to ourselves before we can ask the Gov't to stop lieing to us. It is time to take a firm stand. Don't arrest them and put them in prison, arrest them and deport them, we need all the extra tax dollars to imprison an illegal immigrant, duh, deportation. Mass deportation, I think police need to go house to house in every single state and every single person has to prove they are legal in this country, if not form a single file line out of here, if anyone is here legally they have absolutely every right to be here, they have done it legally, immigration knows they are working and paying taxes and all is good. This is not about any people of any race that is in this country legally. That is the racial cover that is being placed over this action. Every State in this country should follow suit and do it now. Support being legal instead of supporting being illegal.....you are on one side or the other....which is it?
Arizona is the kidnapping capital of the world! Worse than Afganistan or Iraq. Only when politicians start feeling the kidnapping, murder, rape, robbery, etc. that Arizonans feel now will we get federal action. The ruthless Mexican gangs target Mexican politicians and they are heading north – who's next?
Paul
Dallas, Tx.
Hell no the feds won't "fix" our ILLEGAL immigration problem. Like you said they pander to the Mexicans since they've just about become the majority in this country an they want their votes. Comprehensive to the whiners is not what they want at all. They want blanket AMNESTY for all of the millions here ILLEGALY! Then cousin Beto an his clan will be sneaking across to get a piece of the pie too. It would NEVER end....
Jack, you are trying to marry apples and oranges. Nobody argues that situation with immigration in this country is a mass. And it is understandable that Arizona is fed up. But this does not mean that Arizona has a right to respond by implemeting racist laws. Do you get it? No matter what they tell you-this is a racist law, and there is no other way to "suspect" an illegal, but by judging his appearance. What is next? Measuring the lenth noses-just to make sure that this a nose of an illegal Hispanic. It has already happened you know where-and explanation was the same: the owners of those suspicious noses were guilty of all misfortunes of a country which they thought was theirs. Do you remember what happened to them Jack??????
The immigration laws like so many other laws in this country are ignored or enforcement is watered down is what truly constitues attention by our elected officials. I agree with Jack.. It is time to support and enforce the laws already on the books and avoid the dog and pony show that is surly to come form Washington.
The federal government will only say they will do something about illegal immigration when its not being ignored by the general public, but let's face it. Democrats want the support of Latino voters, and Republicans want the support of the businesses who exploit their cheap labor. So no... neither party will do anything to really take care of the problem.
The only thing the federal government enforces is their ignorance, and disconnect from the American people.
Dumb laws:
A fine of $25 can be levied for flirting.
Bravo, Mr. Cafferty! More than the issue itself, it's the blatant spin that has me so upset. Referring to illegal aliens as "immigrants" is a half-truth at best. And since when is enforcing the law unfair or misguided?
I put in the same likelihood category as Rush Limbaugh and Obama having a beer summit to settle their differences. Making the decision either way is going to piss someone off and that hurts re-election chances.
It's a great hot-button issue to stir up the masses, but compared with so many other problems, including insane foreign wars, a bloated military budget to support military bases all over the world, irresponsible government spending, and a bloated federal government filled with some of the most over-paid, least competent people in the world, it's pretty much a second-tier issue. Frankly, I'd be happier to see many of the moronic, poorly-educated, political-ideology-spouting citizens of this country deported, including most politicians and republicans, and many of the illegal immigrants taking their places. At least many of the illegal immigrants would like to do something of value, and are willing to try.
I think Arizona don't change any thing like crime or drug dealer if america steel selling guns to those dealer.
I totally agree with you. Unfortunately to make this right,we'd have to vote everyone in politics out of office and start over with people who want to serve our country for the right reasons, based on what our fore-fathers started. The bad news is I don't recall any of our fore-fathers getting rich by doing the right thing and serving their people well.
No our Federal Government Wont enforce our immigration laws. They as of todate have only dont the smallest part of this law. Corp America is to importent. They get away with hiring illegals, and make the jobs in america pay set low. I have reported a company for hiring illegals and nothing was done. No raid no investigation. Yet this company still has the illegals there. Federal Government is worried about terrorisum and fighting a war. Yet how many illegals are in this country, that could or is working for their country , only waiting to do our country harm. They are called Sleeper Cells. Its time to close our boarders, and keep our country safe. Cause as we know from 911 , its so easy to cause that kind of damage and loss of life.
No, I don't think the feds have any interest in enforcing immigration laws. The government needs a continuous increase in population to keep the economy growing. It doesn't care enough about things like our environment (eroded by human overpopulation), limited resources, keeping Americans in decent-paying jobs–none of that is a priority. What trumps quality of life issues are cheap labor, a growing economy, and pandering to the ever-growing (through illegal immigration) Hispanic voting population. I'm a liberal Democrat and I'm sick to death of the practice of turning a blind eye to illegals and calling anyone who complains a racist. It's a cancer ruining America and it needs to be stopped.
Jack,
The answer is clearly "NO" they won't be enforced. The reason is simple: the only people who suffer from not enforcing the immigration laws are ordinary, hard-working, middle class Americans. The lack of enforcement benefits big business who can exploit the cheap labor and the Democrats, who gain large numbers of votes from their Hispanic base who are too blinded by ethno-politics to realize that ILLEGAL immigrants cost them just as much as they cost the rest of us.
Steve
Houston, TX
I actually heard a comment on CNN that someone was upset because the Arizona law would treat so called undocumented workers like criminals. News flash, if you are here illegaly, you have committed a crime, therefore, a criminal. Why do we have border checks at all? Why not let drug smugglers, human traffickers and terrorists come and go as they please? I would hate to make them feel like criminals just because they are committing a crime. Hell, why not empty all of the prisons in this country.
San Antonio,TX
Finally, something I actually agree with Cafferty about. The Arizona law is absolutely correct and necessary, and I hope that the state enforces it to the letter of the law. Obama's just being intellectually dishonest (I'm shocked) and is pandering to hispanic voters (shocked again) by bashing the law. Let's hope that this is the first step towards getting the millions of the lawbreaking illegal aliens out of our country, so we can spend our country's resources on people who are actually here legally and properly. Amnesty for illegal alients would be an unmitigated disaster of epic proportions.
I think your words, "freak show" in your article about sums it up. This entire problem has been a debacle for years. Yes, the federal government has ignored it for far to long. The reason we are in the sad state of financial affairs is partially due to the funding of illegals for all manner of "benefits" that frankly they shouldn't be entitled to. THAT is why they are here, and will keep on coming until either one, we say no more, or two, we're bankrupt and NO ONE receives benefits. Illegal or otherwise. The feds are so terrified of doing the wrong thing that they are not doing the right thing. Personally, as a U.S. citizen, I'm offended that my government has not protected MY rights but bends over backwards to protect the rights of those who shouldn't even have any.
All motorists must honk before passing another car, bicyclist, skater, and even a skateboarder.
Are you kidding me Jack, Our government never goes by the laws that we have. They just revise them as needed. Arizona is doing what they need to do and the rest of the states should jump on, Think of the jobs that we Americans can get if the illeagls were not here and the money we would save on all the benifits they get.
This is not a complicated issue, Which is exactly why Washington has succeeded in screwing it up.
The president said "misguided" because it's the authority of the Federal Government to enforce immigration laws, not the state. You run the risk of 'alienating' the cooperation of citizen's and aliens alike to assist state and local law enforcement in their duties. History will prove this to be correct. Just watch the rise in crime that goes without adjudication because no one will want to be subjected to scrutiny for their proper paperwork to prove they are here legally.
I think they probably won't. Who wants to go through hunting down and deporting millions of people? I think we should have a naturalization process and let more immigrants from Mexico into the U.S. legally so they don't have to sneak across to get to this land of plenty, this "melting pot" that we have been and always will be, and then we won't HAVE illigal immigrants, will we!? It's really only a problem because we make it a problem. Let's just get over this silly xenophobia already! Sheesh!
I agree 100%. People like to call them "undocumented aliens", but let's get the facts straight. They are illegal, and criminals. Do you think I could sneak into Germany, get a job, home, and government benefits?
These are criminals, plain and simple. They are avoiding our immigration policy, and it is highly unfair for people that go through the correct channels and procedures. I don't see anything wrong with Arizona's law. They are basically doing what each state should already be doing. These people are lucky we aren't locking them up in prison for breaking into our country illegally.
With all the stuff going on about the illegal aliens who do not pay taxes – what about the legal law abiding tax-paying residents who have to wait ages to get Permanent Residency? Unfortunately they do not figure on anyone's list because they are the best ones to have – pay taxes, work for the economy and do not break laws... who cares if they cannot vote! Rather, why care about them if they cannot vote!
I live in North Texas. 460,000 is a drop in the bucket in this state.
The city of Dallas actually used to have a covered shelter where illegals could stand or sit on benches, out of the bad weather, waiting for someone to pick them up for a day job. Naturally, it was taxpayer funded.
So, talk about enforcing the law......even the government is making it easier to work here illegally. It's disgusting. This was all done out in the open, and is done every single day.
By the way, I am a card carrying Democrat, who just happens to believe that laws were written for a reason. That reason is to be obeyed.
It is against the law for a man to knit during the fishing season
Hope so, it's only getting worse. 60% of the murders in AZ are from illeagls....not good.
Nah – they'll be full of righteous indignation about enforcement before the midterms, then promptly forget about it (until the next election). Sort of like the "transparency in government" promise.
No they won't. They do not care about the "people's will", they do not have the backbone to enforce anything nor do they have the integrity or strength to stand up and do what is best for America.
Illegal is the word that they don't seem to understand in this whole debacle. People's emotions get going and the word Illegal keeps getting ignored.
To heck with this whole world order stuff, it it time to get back to America & Americans first..........then the rest of the world.
no they won't enfore the laws. instead of doing anything about it democrats will say this is an unjust law etc etc... and republicans will cower from the issue because they don't want the negative attention that will come with taking a stand. so, just like every other piece of legislation that the obama administration has rammed through, they will attempt to stuff this down the throats of american people so they can claim another "victory" at the expense of the good of the country. what a shame.
Not likely. Arguing about it shines a bigger and longer spotlight on those seeking to use the debate as soundbites for political ad campaigns in districts where constituents agree with them.
What a mess. Arizona has to pay again for the protection that they and the rest of the US taxpayers already pay for, all while infringing on the rights and basic freedoms of legitimate Americans. A great example of why we need to hear a gigantic flushing sound from Washington in November.
Rochester, NY
No they wont, instead they will pass new laws, which they wont enforce either.
As a citizen of ANY country, I want my borders secure. As an American
(not an Arizonian or any given party advocate), I welcome all LEGAL immigrants with whom all of us, except for the Native Americans, have a shared history. Stopping ILLEGAL immigration is what we must demand from our government , for all the right reasons, including national security. Those that hire them are breaking US laws and should pay
SIGNIFICANTLY for their crimes.
One can only dream. Why would they start now?
Jack, I don't allways agree with you, but this time you nailed it on the head! Plain and simple and to the point.
Jack, whether they do or not is fast becoming a non-issue for me and other residents of Arizona. The longer we in Arizona waited on the federal government to reform immigration, the closer we got around to just doing it ourselves. I can't speak for the other 49 states, but our representatives have shown that we have no faith in the federal government to enforce these laws now or in the near future.
Brett – Gilbert, AZ
Confronting people in Arizona with brown hair, brown eyes with perhaps darker skin who speak Spanish is not racial profiling- it's simply the suspect's description.
my husband compared this to a store robbery suspect. an apb would go out for that suspect giving a physical description and police would confront those in the area who fit that description. we don't call that racial profiling. this is no different. there are 460,000 people in arizona who have committed crimes against the u.s. gov't that fit a particular description.
The people of the state of Arizona; all nationalities, races, colors and beliefs have overwhelmingly been crying for reform for years. It’s somewhat ironic that Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano is quick to claim the new law is “misguided” and “not a good law” when in fact she had multiple opportunities to address the issue as former governor of Arizona but simply failed to get anything done.
There are no perfect solutions to the situation but with Phoenix becoming the #1 kidnapping capital in the US and more and more legal US citizens and illegal immigrants being killed by various drug factions from across the southern border – what would you expect the state government to do? Arizona healthcare and welfare systems are overburdened and the state, like our federal government, is bankrupt and simply can’t manage and sustain support for its legal residents coupled with the hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants in the state.
Understanding there is a humanitarian need for all people, at what point do you stop drowning Arizona and this country in more debt and despair and start focusing on residents that are here legally to ensure their needs as US citizens are being taken care of.
This government, and the next 10 governments will NEVER enforce our immigration laws.
What I'm fed up about, is the phrase (and apparent need for by some "misguided" people) immigration "reform". I agree with you. What we need is immigration LAW ENFORCEMENT reform. What's on the books now is just fine. People go through process legally all the time. Anyone who chooses to bypass that process will most likely cut corners elsewhere. Are we willing to count on those people to be PRODUCTIVE members of our society?
"Instead of simply closing the borders and enforcing the existing law so that they could turn their attention to something like the national debt and the fact that the country is bankrupt, we will get this freak show"
100% agree!
America is not a country! it is a Continent. The correct name is United States of North America
About time, as Latino who worked my way up to becoming a legal resident by following the established guidelines, it brings me joy and satisfaction to know that someone has had enough with the federal government's lack of action.
MY grndfather died from the result of mustard gas poisoning as the result of
being in the Spanish American war to get the Mexicans out of America...
Now you are, in spite of laws on the books, letting them back and making us support them....What has happened to American? Why not let Africa and the rest of the world here also or are you profiling?
Hello Jack Cafferty and CNN friends,
No, the federal government will not enforce our immigration laws,
because the U.S. is one Nation under God, Indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for ALL!
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Jack, I live in Arizona for the last 10 years and this state is overwhelmed by the costs of having so many illegal immigrants living here but not contributing to the economy. Something had to be done since the federal government doesn't think it's an important issue. We need to secure our borders and stop this drain on our economic well-being. I have nothing against immigration - my grandparents were immigrants from Italy - but the difference is they worked hard and didn't expect anyone to give them a handout. I've witnessed firsthand people who come here, give birth in our hospitals, don't pay anything, have phony papers and then abandon their babies in the hospital. These children are then put into the system and placed in child crisis shelters at an enormous cost. They then become the American taxpayers' problem for 18 years. How can this be sanctioned? We need to send them back to Mexico where they belong!! If you aren't here legally, then your kids can't be American citizens just because they're born here! One more way taxpayers are screwed!!
Couldn't agree more Jack! Let's start with identify theft and work our way down on how illegals are contributing to our country's bankruptcy. Mexico has become our biggest welfare state...not only that, they're a welfare state with an attitude! It's time to take care of pur people, Americans who are without jobs, food and hope.
This is one of the most honest and straightforward things that I have read on CNN in quite some time.
Illegal immigration could be solved tomorrow by the federal government, through an e-verify program that would allow businesses to verify the legal status of current and prospective employees. It was prohibited, because Democrats want to look the other way on illegal immigration. They want to grow their base through an amnesty that will mean more registered in the party. The status quo is in the interest of Republican big business owners who like the cheap labor. A common-sense solution is needed. The only people who are in trouble are Illegals, they have been used as bounded labour and even if they are exploited they cannot complain. We all loved cheap labour till the economy was good, no one cared or talked about illegals, and suddenly we all are against them. Don't they too deserve a better life? Yes they are criminals but their crime is not murder or robbery, Its just like "illegal" parking that you and me do and get ticket for it. There are politicians out there making big deal about illegals, I would like to ask them where were they when the economy was good? Everyone is playing politics for his/her own gain, no one cares for the solution! God bless us all, God Bless America
My ancestors came into this country legally thru Ellis island in the early 1900's. They came in as foreignors and immediately accepted their "Americanism," insisting that their children adopt and become totally immersed in what was required of them to be "American Citizens." They learned the national language of english and they forsook their Europeon-Russian heritage. Their flag was the U.S. flag and they flew no other. They obeyed the laws of their new land and today my children are third generation "Yankees." While i understand the need of all people to better themselves, and realize that many central and south american countries do not provide the opportunities that may exist here for them, I find it wrong for any person to enter this country illegally. That is made even worse in my mind when after getting here they still identify themselves with a foreign flag or country. We must continue to monitor who comes in to this country, so that those with criminal dispositions are weeded out and we gain control of who deserves refuge. Arizona is reacting correctly to a heinous failure to guard our borders, and I think it is time for the legislation here that has created such immense discussion. Bravo to our legislators...Scottsdale, Arizona
AZ isn't talking about enforcing existing laws. They are forcing police to impose a German "show me your papers" style regime. What's next, classes on how to identify authentic Mexicans? Archaic, disturbing and pathetically cowardly and alarmist. I, for one, am proud that people still seek to come to America for a better life. Arizonians should be ashamed of their greed and lack of charity and compassion. Isn't that part of their so-called Christian ethic?
Probably not , there are to many of the little Republican evangelicals that are making money off of the illegals, they just think they are helping them and that makes it ok. Just normal way of life of them.
Jack: you seem to miss the central point: what is "misguided" about it is the provisions that allow poorly trained cops to carry on racial profiling. If legal aliens are required to carry with them identification at all times, then what if you look like a wet-back, have native fluency in Spanish... but you are a US-born citizen? Should you preemptively, so to say, carry your... what? certificate of birth? In other words, this law is subvertive in that it requires proof of inocence from people who has not yet been charge with a crime.
Just wait until people who either can't or won't pay for Obama care start getting rounded up. Hell, there will probably be a special IRS task force for that. Meanwhile, the illegals will keep flooding in unchecked because Washington needs votes and the corporate elite need cheap slave labor.
Arizona is not just "doing something about it," Jack. They're legislating that citizens–yes, citizens too–must show identification or face arrest for the crime of looking foreign. Trying to turn this farce into another excuse to slam Washington is as cynical as anything going on inside the Beltway.
Paul, Lexington KY
They might as soon as someone crossing th eborder illegally does something really bad. Until them you are on your own.
If border crossing is tolerated why not make the country of Mexico the 51st state so they don't have to break the law ?
Then why not use the US technology legally to help all of their citizens instead of the noise makers, illegal border crossers ?
If all mexicans (or majority of them) want to cross the border, then instead why don't they hire some high tech american consultants to improve their country across the border to the same level of living standards ?
Think about it, just 400 years ago, both sides of the border were dense forests, no civilizations, now one side is better than the other. Why not simply copy it instead of fighting or demanding to get what is neither a right or privelege to possess ?
The government will only enforce the existing immigration laws once both political parties are exposed for the ways they exploit the illegal immigrants- democrats get easy votes and republicans get cheap labor for all their big businesses.
My call to United States Border Patrol (CPB) this morning at 8:25A was 12min. and 4sec. long. The agent was more concerned with telling me about the lack of manpower '2000 agents looking for 3 million illegals' than aiding me. He did not give his name and I was blind transferred to him.
This presents a concern as the reason for the call is the number of run-ins I've had since filing a complaint with the CA Board of Pharmacy involving an averted attempt to food poison me at a Mexican themed grocery store. There are two men who climb out of the garbage dumpster behind my apartment building on occassion. They reside in the apartment across the courtyard from me both have an outbreak of something on there skin not unlike the owner of a dirty furniture store attached to a caterer around the corner from the apartment (reported to LA County Department of Public Health. Yesterday at 5:33PM and 9:35PM I was threatened outside of my apartment building by a drunk, who like the other two men are Hispanic descent.
I explained to INS when I asked one of the man if he has a Green Card he waffled back and forth. I was willing to offer data on that as well as a identity theft involving a current defense contractor employee (former active military with post traumatic stress syndrome) Tucson, AZ and a current U.S. military employee Okinawa, Japan, who I have reason to believe participate in identity theft. The apartment across the hall from my own was named to LAPD in numerous unlawful entries to my apartment. Like the one across the hall it has multiple inhabitants.
On various levels of government I feel the brush off.
Canoga Park, CA
If they do, let’s hope its based on more than the color of your skin, the clothes you wear, and having the wrong kind of shoes.
Our federal government needs to stop coddling the illegals, and put Americans first!! It is a sad and scary time when the President of the US calls enforcing the laws of our land "misguided". The only thing "misguided" is our new president, and the ones who voted for him.
Jack I love President Obama and the positions he usually supports such as the stimulus bill, health care, the credit card act, and so many other bills but on this one Mr President I have to stand with Jack Cafferty on this one because has you just said Jack what is misguided about the Arizona immigration bill? This is only a crackdown on illegal immigration so what's wrong with proving that your a legal citizen if asked? What is Arizona supposed to do? The Governor has a huge problem with immigrants coming into her state and big drug problems among illegal immigrants and the Governor is taking care and standing up for her people which is what a Governor is supposed to do. I encourage all Governor's across the United States and Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois to support this bill and say prove that your legal or go home! This is not racial profiling but this is just and only proving who you are and if your legal!
Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)
Thanks Jack!
At least somone in the media gets it. I think your 30 second column sums up the issues perfectly instead of hours of senseless debate we see happening all over. Facts are facts; now will our politicians get it? I won't be holding my breath.
Police officers are required to give a Miranda warning. We require a Judge’s signature for a wire tap. There must be “probable cause” before an arrest. We are told that we are innocent until proven guilty and that must be without a reasonable doubt. All of these issues have gone to the Supreme Court because of instances of police abuse.
Enforcing immigration laws while preserving our own legal protections is not an easy task and when turned over to a state could spell disaster.
By the way, police in all 50 states are required to give the Miranda warning because of the famous Supreme Court case, Miranda v. Arizona. (1966) Go figure.
You would think with all this noise, this is a new issue. I grew up in So Cal and this is all a very old issue. People say the illegals are taking jobs away from Americans. This is so untrue – no American I know of would ever think of or aspire to, picking crops in CA or anywhere else.
The appetite for cheap labor comes from the business community. So, why has there been no move by republicans when they hold majority to take this on?
I wonder if this would even be an issue if the problem was not illegals from Central and South America, but rather, illegals from Germany, Ireland, Sweden, etc.? If it smells like racism, it probably is.
The federal government cannot enforce the present law cause it going to have a terrible consequent on the economic and cast a negative image in the world view. ( kick out 13 million illegal are they not human) What going to happen or need to happen is finding a suitable solution to the people within the border that will enable these people to become legal and sent the bad or unwanted ones back to their country. enforcement of the border and legalization of illegal should be done together.
The fact is that US Society is going to have to accept that every 15 or 20 years of so we will need to legalize a bunch of illegal Mexicans. The one problem with that is that the Gringo is frightened of the Mexican and wishes it could keep them out. It can't though so we will either accept what I propose, or have the status quo and only deport a few who get caught up with a criminal offense or get caught working, or get a traffic ticket, etc. Legalize them and get their tax money. Why continue with the underground economy. It makes no sence.
Freak show is an apt description for the Feds handling of our country's border issues. Your specific point "Just pandering to the Hispanic voters and the corporations that hire the illegals," sums up not only the Federal take on this issue, but my state's (CA) stance, as well. I admire Arizona for the fact that they are stepping up and taking care of themselves. This should be the norm for all states. If you are here legally, then you should have nothing to worry about. If someone asks for your ID, you should be proud to show you are here legally, not look at the situation as an opportunity to sue someone for inconveniencing you for a couple of minutes. There is obviously (to those that don't live in Arizona) a very serious problem with illegal immigration issues, or the state government would not have pushed this law through (with a majority of the citizen's supporting it). And before you say "if the shoe were on the other foot," I would support a National law that required all individuals to carry such identification on them and be subject to being asked to provide the documentation. I am proud to be a legal citizen of this country. As a tie in, and considering how much our current Federal government wants to follow the European model" of governing, try traveling in Europe without your visa.
I've wondered how these employers get by with hiring illegal workers. My husband has a job in which he hires people, and one of his first requirements is that they show they can legally work here in the U.S. It's not that hard. Simply get employers to follow the rules.
I believe your point is dead on accurate. People are up in arms that it is now a crime to be here illegally. Hello if it was not a crime they would be here legally. It is just a shame that now Washington is going to spend millions upon millions of dollars putting on their dog and pony show, and nothing will get done.
Simi Valley, CA
Thousand Oaks, CA. I hope so. When a teacher, with an M.Ed. is told she is more likely to get a teaching job with a high school diploma if she's bilingual then with her degree- you have a problem in America. When you not only the housing crisis killing the resale of your house, but you also have 22 illegals packed into the three bedroom house next to yours steering away potential home buyers- you have a problem.
Greetings from Phoenix. Of coures the federal government isn't going to anything about immigration, that would cost our dishonest, self seving politicians their job. They are gutless in the face of a major issue that forces them to take a real stand. The states are going to have to handle the issue on their own, the federal government is to leak to do the job right.
Erv Holcomb
My pet peeve is the trem "Immigration reform" reform my foot. Reform would be to enforce existing laws. Treet everyone the same. Take a number and stand in line don't just walk in because you can. Other countries don't allow that. We do they keep using "reform" when they mean abolishment of laws and rules. How about a fast underground rail system to send the illegals to Canada. They love diversity.
I am a bit tired of rheaing so many people complain about illegals and yet not offer a solution to how to handle some 12 million people in that grouping. Do we "arrest" them all and ship them out? How? We haven't the resources etc. Do we athomatically make them citizens? etc....before you
tell us illegals are a problem also offer your solution to the problem.
ps: English is NOT the legal language of this country. It may be the language most often spoken by a majority of people at this time but no where is it written in law that it is our official language. Change the law lf you want, or can, but recognize that you are wrong to complain that illegals do not speak "our" language.
Wow. You really don't think you're pushing a certain stance with words like "ravage". As long as the US secures its border and provides illegal immigrants here amnesty or at least a sure shot at obtaining citizenship, then the problem will solve itself. All of you people that just want to kick all of them out are just scared that the nation is becoming too diverse for you to handle.
Money talks and bull pucky walks! Once the Feds get the idea that they can collect taxes from these illegals then things will start happening in DC land. The illegals don't want to be citizens, they simply want to earn money and so should the folks in DC land. Every time an employer issues a 1099 and a check, there should be an automatic withdrawal for federal and state taxes. Employers must be held more responsible for making sure the low wage workers they retain are not getting a free ride. DC land must concentrate on the employers it is much more effective than chasing shadows.
Wow Jack... I don't always like what you write (I think I do more often than not), but today, it is the absolute truth!!! I don't get why others don't see this law is for not for what it isn't. I suspect those who say that it is "misguided" prefer the no enforcement / open border plan that the Federal Government is currently using. I'll tell you who is misguided is the people who demonstrate with the Hispanics. They are misguided into thinking this will bring about more racial profiling. There are good cops and bad cops and there is nothing that you can do about that. The good cops will be even more careful to have a reason to ask about immigration status. Bad cops don't need a reason to be bad. Having said that, most cops are good cops. The reason the Hispanics are against this law is no secret, they want open borders and they are clear about that. I will tell you that I am Norwegian and German and Irish, but first and more importantly I am an American. I love my country more than any other on earth. If we went to war tomorrow against the homelands of my ancestors, I would be first to volunteer (spent 6 years in the US Marine Corps) and would take out anybody trying to hurt my country. Right now the people hurting my country are crossing the Rio Grand (and sitting in the White House, the Speakers chair and the Senate Majority Leader).
Giving a tool like this to law enforcement will roll back 30 years of civil rights gains. It is wrong-headed. Just plain wrong. And when right wing zealots like Rick Perry of Texas see this they will put a crony in their legislatures up to doing it in their state. For once, Texas is not the leader in a bonehead ploy for votes, its Arizona. But Texas will follow...
Jack, I can't remember a single time I've ever agreed with you, until now. The lack of enforcement is a joke, and it seems the administration is just riding public outcry and sentiment rather than devising a strategy to really improve the country.
How can we both create jobs and help reduce public debt? Enforce immigration laws and ensure that the jobs staffed with illegals are filled by Americans, generating tax revenue for this country and getting people off public welfare!
Regarding Immigration, this country used to actually enforce immigration laws, I can speak from experience as a third generation Immigrant. My grandmother and grandfather came from Sicily and at that time, immigration was understood by both the U.S. and the immigrant of what was expected. Since we've relaxed our immigration laws entirely too much, the government is unsure of how to reenforce the laws, and the immigrants who illegally come across the boarder know too well that we don't know what to do with them.
Thus, we in essence encourage them by not being more stern with the laws. The best way that we can help Mexicans is to help them build a better Mexico, and not with throwing money at them either. We can help Mexico become more resourceful and before long the illegal immigrants will be rushing the boarder to get back home!
How come we do not have any problem with illegals coming from our northern border ?
Oh yeah they do not need or want to come down.
They have no recession ! The have universal health care !
They have gun controls !
They have very strong employment restrictions for illegals ( That means us ) !
We have a bunch of do nothing politicans that sit on their asses protecting their next election !
I support Obama in nearly all his polies except Immigration. I support was Arizona has done. This is a really big problem. So, it requires drastic measures. Our tax dollars are being spent on the upkeep of these illegal immigrants. Illegal immigrants do not pay any taxes but uses up a lot of the benefits. That is not fair. Mr. President how about being fair to us American citizens who pays their dues. You should not always think about your vote bank only – Country first! Mr. President.
OK. We have laws that require that all citizens carry photo ID and now have to be cross state verifiable and must have a passport to leave and enter our own country. Law breakers are restricted from interstate travel and must be coordinated between the state where prosicuted and any state they travel to. BUT, if I am from another country, then others will get into a self rightous uproar so that I do not have to carry any papers, show any identification, and can break laws, on the books, and everyons should leave me alone. (I think I will start telling the local law enforcement officers I am from some other country and they will get into trouble for bothering me.)
Just a thought from New Albany, Mississippi.
Isnt this against the constitution for states to legislate against federal law. So the Governor of Arizona's act is illegal. Is she not a criminal from this logic. There is a clear difference between illegal and criminal
I agree 100% with this article. It's about time congress quit pandering to the minorities and supported what is wanted and demanded by the majority. Too many of our ancestors followed the law when immigrating to this country to allow illegals in with no respect for our country and its laws. We hear from groups who say no one wants to do this work and it will raise costs but what about what it is costing us in social programs, added educational costs and medical costs? If you don't like what Arizona is doing then don't go there and demand the Federal government enforce current laws!
You hit the nail on the head. Perfectly stated. I'm relieved that at least one other person is capable of understanding the big picture. The Hispanic vote will soon be so large that the spineless wimps in Washington will be afraid to do anything for fear of losing votes. Ergo, this is a critical point in our nation's history. Hopefully, the people of this country are beginning to realize the damage (e.g., CA is bankrupt)caused by unchecked massive illegal immigration . If so, they will make their voices heard and we may convince the politicians to do what's right and actually help us.
How can you expect that illegal immigration will be handled when current agencies can not even handle legal immigration.
I think on this subject America needs a History Lesson...Who does the state of Arizona really belong too...and the genocide that took place to get it...Its time to give it back!
How about starting with the basics: Make ENGLISH the language of the United States. Could save millions in translation and printing costs.
I am a caucasion resident of AZ and find this new law disgraceful! But maybe it will force the gov't to do something, although not sure both sides will agree on how to do it. There needs to be some form of amnesty. The Republicans do not want to help the Dems pass anything before Nov. Maybe after that!
Living in a border state like Texas I can say easily we have major problems from the flow of illegal's entering this country. I have no problem with any person from any country entering the US by legal means but when our budget is strapped we can't afford to continue to look the other way. We need strict enforcement of current laws, stronger security at the border before we even think giving amnesty to million here illegally.
Makes me want to move to Arizona! I am with them completely. The Fed's WILL NEVER enforce the current LAW! We made a terrible mistake in the last election but it will not happen again.
Jack.....Everyone needs to remember"illegal" means just that. Would a US citizen be afforded the same in another country? Let them in, but with the same privaledges and responsibilities
Jack,
You are beginning to sound quite cranky in your commentary. While I am empathetic toward your frustration, your tone overshadows your points.
Wendy
Boston, MA
No, why would they start doing the right thing now !!!, I am a democrate, but governor Brewer has my vote !!
If Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson and all those uber liberal groups are foaming at the mouth over this bill... it must be a GOOD bill!
Phoenix is the kidnapping and murder capital of the world, nothing has been done, AZ has been asking for years to do something, nothing... So they finally did it them selves.
Great work Arizona!! Get those illegal cockroaches, Sheriff Joe!
The feds will enforce the law:
A) When pigs fly.
B) When Wall St becomes honest.
C) After congress passes true campaign finance reform.
Ain't going to happen! They'd rather pander to the "Hispanic voting block" than do what is right for the country.Nevermind that a lot of "Hispanics" are FOR enforcement.
Congress and the president are unfit to "serve", and the previous congress and president were no better. November will be VERY interesting!
Wow I've watched for years and I have to say that your lead in to the question was the best I've heard. The answer is no. Washington spends money... they don't care what the costs is to Arizona, Texas (my state).. and others. Again Washington not in touch with what people want.
With 70% of Arizona residents supporting this law as well as the majority of Americans also supporting it, the Feds are going to jump on the bandwagon. This may be a case of illegal aliens and their supporters regretting what they asked for when this is all over. Public sentiment is not on their side.
No, I don't want to even talk about it.
know that Americans don't want ammesty, but on the other hand they don't want to get the hispanics mad.
Go Arizona!!!
Sure Jack,On the second tuesday of next week.[or when Hell freezes over,which ever comes first]
Are you for real? This is out of line, CNN you must be nuts to air this mock of an article with curse words?!
Ok so the feds aren't doing anything with illegal immigrants, AZ comes up with this mock of a law? This is downright racist!
I'm brown, so you are basically telling me that I'll be stopped every time even though I'm a legal, while my white friends don't get questioned because they don't fit the cops description of illegal immigrants? In what country is this legal? Oh sorry I guess in America! This is why there is so much opposition to this law, why is this hard to understand?
This is the last time I'm going online to CNN!
Adios!
Jack,
Of course not, and that is why States will have to create laws like this.
Paul from Phoenix
Bravo Jack for your comments.
You've pretty much hit the nail on the head. Unfortunately some of the guests on CNN's various T.V. programs give in to easily to Hispanic guests and sympathizers ill-informed complaints. What is it about illegal that they don't understand?
Frank W. , Riverhead, N.Y.
If these people weren't being hired, there would be little reason for many of them to stay. So the big questions: are there enough documented workers and citizens to do the jobs that illegals are hired to do? Are the illegals taking jobs from citizens as some people allege? Or are the illegals taking jobs that are paying way way less than those same jobs paid when they were done by citizens 20 years ago. I'm thinking here of the meat packing plants in Iowa and Minnesota that were raided by the feds. Eiolg from Minnesoat
Indeed, and pandering to the largest minority in the US and one that will continue to flex its political muscle is what is all about, though unfortunately you have trivialized the whole issue. This is not something that will be fixed as easily as you think it will. BOYCOTT ARIZONA I say.
I can't believe our government leader are worried about pleasing illegals instead of citizens. i wish our president and congress cared about veterans the same way .maybe we wouldn't have to beg for help .its been almost 20 years for gulf war veterans.
the SCOTUS has held that a peace officer can ask for identification at any time. there is no difference.
I am a Arizona Native, and have worked for 30 years, I pay my taxes, and didn't buy my social security card or drivers license on the black market, I earned them the right way. I am PROUD to live in Arizona, and I am PROUD to be an AMERICAN and FREE.....So if you want to talk about jobs, show me some of your integrity. Thank You for your time.
isn't it strange that the 70% of Arizonans that support this fascist bill just happened to be white old crusty paranoid racists? This bill isn't about fixing immigration or the drug war spilling over the border. Its about dismantling the rights of more US citizens, as it is thinly disguised the same way the Patriot Act was.
I totally agree with you, instead of enforcing the existing law, debating it is causing a total "freak show" as you put it and it would be more productive to move on to more important issues such as the deficit (but I like how you worded it better 🙂 And to answer your question, yes I think the fed gov will eventually enforce the immigration law, but it's gong to take a lot of time, resources and diversion of more important issues to get it done unfortunately.
Regarding your question---–"Will the government ever enforce our immigration law"--I feel that the time has come that dictates some reform and/or enforcement. Immigration is out of control.
Jack I totally agree, I live near Chicago, which by the way is considered a safe haven city for the drug cartel and illegals. With all the killings lately, there's talk about bringing in the national guard. But you're right just enforce the laws we have.
What a great article , and outstanding comments in support. However "David " The left wing liberal Marxist , should be required to live in Arizona and see for himself the havoc being caused by Illegal Aliens.
If we wait long enough, we can all move to Mexico because everyone will have already moved into California, Arizona, Texas.
If white & black unemployed that don’t want to work and are leeching the government with unemployment benefits decide to work; then, undocumented people will not find a job…
Racial profiling? If deer are destroying my garden, I don't go bear hunting! If most of those illegally entering the United States are of Spanish descent then lets not be stupid and target all descents- lets target the violators- people of Spanish descent!
well when the dems and reps get rid of all the corruption in washington ... I am sure they will have time to obey they immigration laws too.
Wow Jack, finally something we agree on.
To the people saying the illegals only do what citizens don't want to do, I say BS. These people still live in the US. They are still faced with the same costs of living as citizens are faced with. The only part they get to cheap out on is paying taxes. Yet most still find a way to take some of their paychecks and send it back home to Mexico. In the worst recession in generations, no job is too low for a real citizens to support their family with. Let Mexico take care of it's own citizens and not off the backs of the American worker.
BTW, if you are of Mexican decent but are a US citizen, guess what, YOU ARE NOT MEXICAN! This doesn't apply to YOU!!!
The way it looks, not until we're out in the streets by the tens of millions, effectively shutting down the country until they reinstate law and order- without amnesty, citizenship, or any other reward for illegal aliens.
Jack,
I live in Arizona- fortunately Northern Arizona now- I moved from a lifetime in Phoenix three years ago. Maybe the Republican governor and Republican-dominated legislature here contrived and passed such an outrageous piece of immigration legislation on purpose just to use as leverage to fire up the nation's populace to pressure the President and U.S. Congress into action to just do what the Federal Government should have been doing all along for decades now- send in the National guard or federal troops or whatever it takes to stem the flow of illegals across our international border with Mexico!
George Vetnar
Prescott Valley, AZ
Each time the economy is down, they find a scapegoat in the immigrants who are here. I agree with some of these comments that the only way this law would be good would be if they checked EVERYONE regardless of race or color.
Weren't the 9/11 hijackers here legally?
I was driving suspiciously today and was pulled over and asked for ID. We need reform now!
I am an over-consuming, hedonistic, self-gratifying American who depends upon non-documented workers to do the things that I don't want to do, or am too lazy to do, or can't do. I don't want them to leave.
The law just signed by Arizona's governor is bad, too. It divides a nation of immigrants, and yes, it IS profiling.
Yes, hold the line, stop new "ones" from crossing; and tax those who are here doing the jobs that I can't or won't do.
Help pay off the National Debt.
Here in El Paso, we seem to be keeping out the illegal aliens, but the drugs keep getting through. Strange.
Uncle Sam is powerful enough to invade Afghanistan and Iran...I mean Pakistan...I mean Iraq...but America seems to be a pliant, compliant, complaisant enable-paper tiger when it comes to securing the borders.
Something's quite fishy here.
Sincerely,
Mad Plato
El Paso, Texas
Jack why did you delete my post? I only told you the truth. I am a legal hispanic resident who was born in Arkansas. In Arizona, I would be forced to carry my birth certificate around everywhere and show it to police officers at their will in a guilty-until-proven-innocent manner. Also citizens under this bill can point at any hispanic and tell an officer to "check for papers" and they would be required to check. Hispanics are being treated all as illegal immigrants now under this bill. Racial profiling will be rampant. I am boycotting Arizona and all companies who are headquartered in Arizona, as well as the 2011 All Star Game, and my own favorite baseball team's Spring Training, both of which are in Arizona. Jack I thought you stood up for US citizens' but I guess you only stand up for "some" US citizens. Shawn from WV.
I have just one question about Arizona's new law. Arizona's governor says she will not tolerate racial profiling, but how can the police possibly be expected to carried out the law without racial profiling? I'm white and don't have any Latino features. Do you think the police are going to stop me and ask for identification papers? To a cop on the beat, isn't "reasonable expectation" going to mean "that guy looks Latino; I'd better stop him?" What else does the cop have to go by? So of course it's racial profiling. What hypocrisy for the governor to say she will not tolerate it. And what about Latinos here legally, even those who were born here and are therefore natural U.S. citizens? Now they'll have to carry papers on them at all times too, just in case. How can that be Constitutional?