Majority of Americans support Arizona's immigration law
A Border Patrol vehicle keeps watch beside the border fence that divides the U.S. from Mexico in the town of Nogales, Arizona. (PHOTO CREDIT: MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
60 percent of Americans say Arizona's tough new immigration law is "about right" or "doesn't go far enough." Are you listening, Washington?
A new CBS News/New York Times poll shows 51 percent of those surveyed say the law is "about right" and 9 percent say it "doesn't go far enough." 36 percent believe the controversial law - which gives police broad powers to detain people they think are in the country illegally - "goes too far."
This new poll also shows broad majorities of Americans say illegal immigration is a "very serious problem" and that this country's immigration policies need a major overhaul... although people are divided about what the right solution is.
Even though most people think the Arizona law will result in racial profiling and overburden local police forces... large majorities think it will reduce the number of illegal aliens in Arizona, illegal border crossings and crime.
It's pretty clear what's going on here: The issue of illegal immigration has developed into a national crisis - and the American people have had a bellyful of the federal government's unwillingness to address it.
Despite all the rhetoric from our lawmakers, there is no legislation pending in Congress. But more importantly, almost nine years after 9/11 and four days after a terrorist tried to blow up Times Square in New York, the federal government refuses to secure this nation's borders.
Here’s my question to you: What message does it send to Washington that a majority of Americans support Arizona’s new immigration law?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Greg writes:
In my opinion, a majority of Americans supporting the new Arizona immigration law sends no message to Washington. I seem to remember that a majority of Americans did not want the recent health care bill to pass and it did anyway. It appears our opinion is no longer relevant.
Dave writes:
Most Americans probably supported the internment of Japanese immigrants during WWII. So what? Just because it's popular doesn't mean it's the right thing to do.
Bud in Washington writes:
The message? Enforce the law! If we have federal laws on the books to deal with people coming into the country illegally and those laws are considered ignored then the states should have a right to enact counter-measures to protect their own borders.
Darrell in Green Bay, Wisconsin writes:
Jack, I must be in the minority but I do not agree with such a one-sided bill. There are "two" laws that are being broken when illegal immigrants enter the U.S. and work. The first being their "illegal" entry and the second being "illegally" hired by U.S. businesses. Where is the anger and discontent with businesses that profit from this and don't employ American citizens?
Betsy in Tucson writes:
We live in Tucson and back this law because we cannot be safe on the interstate from Tucson to the border with illegal aliens being smuggled day and night - at high speeds and the wrong way. Plus we cannot feel safe in our nearby national park called Organ Pipe, with stashes of marijuana bales there and the smugglers too!
Ryan in Salt Lake City, Utah writes:
If you cross the border into North Korea illegally, you could get 12 years hard labor. If you cross the Afghan border illegally, you might get shot. When you cross the American border illegally, you get a job, a driver's license, free health care, a free education, freedom of speech, and Americans will spend billions of dollars so you can read a document in your native language.... What's wrong with this picture?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
How many Mexicans have tried to blow up buildings and kill people?
Mexicans are not terrorists. We should pick up all Paristan people and send them back instead of worrying about Mexicans.
It doesn't go far enough, but in the right direction.
maybe people wouldn't cross the border illegally if it wasn't so expensive to cross legally.
What difference does it make? Washinton does not listen anyway. So it really is futile to take these polls and ask these questions.
I truly believe that most of the protestors against the Arizona law have never read it. Most of the statute, as it relates to individual illegal aliens, refers back to existing federal law and is not new. Some of it is almost verbatim what the federal statutes say.
Quite a few pages (out of 17) relate to penalties for knowingly hiring illegals. There are penalties for falsely accusing someone of hiring illegals. There is anti gang language.
Wahsington won't listen becasue this debate is about votes, not borders. There is nothing in this bill that remotely sounds like promoting racial profiling. And it is nowhere near as draconian as Mexico's statutes dealing with being in Mexico illegally. Read it folks.
Arizona is really President Obama's Katrina. We are angry and frustrated at constant problems that get ignored in favor of that magical sound of crisp new money being slid across the table. Mary – Phoenix
This poll does not reflect the Americans that work 2-3 jobs and are too busy to answer questions to polls.
Come on Washington, you can't have it both ways. You say your for imigration reform and protecting our borders and then you do little to nothing to support the redorick. Then when your trumped by one of your States who by all accounts should be following the Federal Goverment but instead have had to lead the Nation in showing Big Brother how you enact legislation to fix a problem. Jack, It's like a child who recognizes his parent is incapable of taking care of him and he takes the bull (and in this case were talking a lot of Bull) by the horn and takes care of the parent. Maybe more States should enact laws that fix what Washington can't or won't. Thanks Jack
I think the Arizona Law is a step in the right direction. All those not here legally, should be deported. Only the English language should be required to be taught in school. Speak english or go home.
It's about time. I think that California rep. has the right idea as well, U.S. citizenship should not automatically be granted to children born in the U.S. unless one or both of the parents are U.S. citizens.
If Washingon can't or will not enforce federal law then it is up to the states to sholder that burden. I just hope all the states follow suit.
I am all for Arizona's new law. Should have been done long ago. For the loud and vocal minority that doesn't like it because of "profiling" here is my suggestion. You take the army and/or national guard. Put them on the border from California to Texas in such a way that no one will get in....ever without going through the proper channels. Then we won't have to profile. Start raiding businesses that hire illegal’s and deport them, from where ever they come from, it's not just Mexicans. That solves the problem. Oh, I almost forgot, the entire southern border gets a 20 foot high fence with machine gun nests every 50 yards as well.
At least one state has the guts to enforce a tough immigration law. It's about time, and I hope more states follow suit.
Just because a majority of Americans feel it is okay to deny constitutional protections for all people of Hispanic heritage–citizens, legal aliens, and illegal aliens alike–doesn't make it right. Many of the Hispanic families I know here in Colorado can trace their roots in the state back several hundred years. Thank God no one can tell by looking at me that I slipped in here from Detroit seeking a better life.
Laws should be based not on fear or public opinion, but rather Equal Protection under the United States Constitution. While I am sure some continue to condone the internment of Japanese Americans during the Second World War, I see it as a mistake, and in fact someone very Un-American.
What do you mean what message does it send? Pretty loud and clear if you ask me. The people want law enforcement to to enforce our laws. This law isn't new, it mirrors existing federal laws. Crack down on ILLEGAL immigration and find ways to encourage legal immigration. Crack down on those that refuse to sign our "guest book" by come here without permission.
You don't go onto your neighbor's property without permission, do you Jack? Why should we tolerate it?
I think it sends a clear message but considering the administration doesnt listen to us it really doesnt matter...
Jimmy – Texas
The message is that the Federal Government isn't doing it's job. This has been a national crisis for years, can you say 11.5 illegal immigrants? If Congress won't act, they have absolutely no right to complain about what the states do. Texas is in the same situation as Arizona and if Washington doesn't act the state will, the bill is already being drafted.
We might be sending a message, but nobody in Washington is listening. I've been writing my representatives about this problem for years, but all I ever get in response are canned replies full of doubletalk – never any commitment. Bully for Arizona for taking matters into their own hands. I wish our legislature in Nevada had as much gumption.
60% of Americans are not that bright to begin with. That's the fact that Washington takes into consideration.
The message that it sends to Washington is that they had better get off their duffs and get an imigration bill done ASAP. I fall into the 40% who disapprove of this law and I think it to be unconstitutional. Even Republicans in congress have been distancing themselves from this AZ law. or as we call it at home "The show me your papers law".
Washington never has and will listen to us. We need to establish term limits, and eliminate the career-politicians, who are only following their special-interest group supporters.
The federal government has not done anything to secure America's borders from illegal immigrants from crossing into our country. My state of Arizona is making it possible for local law enforcement to do the job that the federal agencies are not doing. Every one talks about the right of the people. We are telling the government that we the CITIZENS of ARIZONA are going to protect the right of every citizen and legal immigrant by detaining any illegal immigrant. Remember that the first word in this phrase is illegal. These people are breaking the law of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This makes them felons and they do not enjoy all the aspects of our country. If they want to immigrate to this country let them do it legally, and the State of Arizona & the USA will welcome them with open arms. I know the process for immigration is not easy, my own family has several members of legally immigrated and naturalized citizens to include my own adopted daughter who proudly became a U.S. citizen on April 11, 2005.
Just like with the patriot act, it appears that people are again willing to give up freedom because of fear. For all the talk about what a strong nation we are, we sure jump at the chance to willingly give up our freedoms at the slightest hint of trouble. The idea that a American citizen could be stopped and asked to prove they live here is ridiculous.
The real problem is the drug cartels in Mexico/US border and THAT is what most people are concerned about, and if anyone thinks this is going to stop that they are sadly mistaken.
Sir,
Most of the US does not support this new Immigration law of Arizona. It is causing nothing but pain and embarassment by the huge wall that was built between us and our neighbor Mexico.
I'm reminded of the Berlin Wall and Ronald Reagans famous speech 06/12/1987
"We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall"
Do I really have to take my passport to go to Tucson Arizona from Victoria Island California?
Jack, it doesn't matter what the message is when it falls on deaf ears. Congress is more worried about putting on a good show with Wall Street execs than addressing the serious problems in this country.
Jack,
There are a few messages but the biggest message, I believe, is that people want the border secured FIRST. Then we can talk about a path to citizenship and how to do it.
Remember, the government did this in 1986. They said we're going to secure the border and give amnesty to 3 million people living here illegally. They did one of the two and, if you hear the talk now from the government, it's "we're going to secure the border and give a path to citizenship to 10-15 million people living here illegally".
Fool me once,......
I feel that it does not say enough. As a life long democrate, I don't care for the president's idea of imigration reform. Allowing illegals a chance to become legal, is like giving a bankrobber the loot back after getting out of jail for his crime.
It basically tells them that they are not doing their job to protect the American people and we are getting tired of it. I live here in Tucson and this is not a border issue for us, this is wide spread through out our state. Illegal immigrants have NO rights in America but it's the American citizens footing the bill for these intruders. The only right they have is to be treated fairly while they are being deported back to their own country. The President of Mexico is so off base on this it's funny. He thinks that illegal immigrants have rights here in America but he is sadly mistaken. Unfortunately, his government is probably the cause for most of this because they can't control their own country so he wants to pass the blame to us. Secure our borders at all costs so America doesn't turn into a battlefield from all the illegal activity that comes with this.
What message does it send to Washington that a majority of American support Arizona's new law? It sends a message that our Senators and Congressman are not listening to. We want our laws enforced. The Arizona law quite plainly states what should already be happening throughout the country. It mandates that our (immigration)laws be followed. The laws may not be optimum but they are the law of the land. They need to be enforced. We are tired of the politics being played by the politicians in Washington who are supposed to be worrying about their constituents – the Citizens of the United States but are instead worrying about how many votes they will get or not get by giving amnesty to people who are here illegally. I wish the Arizona law were replicated here in New York. Do you hear us Mr Schumer?
I would like to know the actual numbers and who completed this survey. I do not think this is an acccurate survey of most Americans. You may have questioned conservatives in Arizona but I think most of the country is against this RACIST and PROFILING law.
The same message that was sent to Washington when the majority of Americans didn't want the health care bill. Which Washington didn't listen to.
This is just another part of a racist agenda by the Republicans. I wonder what that 51% would think if they knew all of the facts. Like for instance, the only reason this was inacted is because of the murder of wealthy white man by what other white people suspect is a Mexican national or illegal alien. Granted, there is no proof of this, but still the Mexican community is being blamed. These %'s are tainted as well as not everyone in America has access to CNN.com to vote on this. I'm sure if that was the case, these %'s would be alot different.
For the first in my 68 years I am really worried America.
Rogers,Ar
It says to me that people don't think through the implications that this would have on people, real people. For example, half of my nuclear family are immigrants, and naturalized citizens, and probably look like "immigrants." They don't carry their naturalization papers because we've been told that these papers can't be replaced, so keep them in a bank vault. What if they were stopped? They've been citizens for over 24 years.
Then there is my son's friend, who looks and is "Hispanic," due to Hispanic sir name. But his mother told me that their people have been in Colorado for over 400 years. How would someone like that prove that he is truly "American?"
How do I prove that I am American?
Many old people were denied Medicare when that system tried to carefully find out which elderly people didn't actually "deserve" to be on the system. Many old people don't have birth certificates. But who do you know that carried one around all the time?
I don't agree. What's next? Yellow Stars, Pink Triangles? How about we load them all in cattle cars and send them to some "camps." I do agree that illegal immigration is a problem but allowing racial profiling is not the answer. We ARE american and we ARE better then this. Time to think of a new idea...
Jack – this is coming from Brooklyn, NEW YORK! It sends the message that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Times are tough for this country and the outlook is not good. Everyday you see a different state in the news talking about bankruptcy and laying off workers. We simply can not afford the burden of being a soup kitchen/health clinic/homeless shelter for people who do not respect our laws and citizenship process enough to come here legally. The key word in all of this is ILLEGAL. What more has to be said? It's time for America to suck it up and do what needs to be done to protect the future of this country. As for "immigrants are smart and make this country great" YES, WE KNOW! However, I somehow doubt there are many PHD's sprinting across the border to Arizona. This isn't targeting Mexicans because they're Mexican, it's because we share a very large and very poorly secured border with their country.
A lot of people just don't get it about Arizona's Immigration law. To circumvent the racial profiling issue, the cops now ask – if they stop you – "Where were you born?" I, as a Canadian-American citizen, now have to answer "Canada" and I'm now required to carry proof of my citizenship with me at all times. THIS is what's changed in Arizona for me, that I have been relegated to the same level as the illegals.
Like every other topic, it shows that most Americans don't fully understand what's going on.
Boise, ID
Just because a majority of people agree with something doesn't make it right. If a majority of people in the US thought Obama was born in another country, that wouldn't make it true. Despite what these people may think, the experts in DC believe that the Arizona law may violate key components of the Constitution. Can a state even create a law like this, or is it the job of the Federal government to do this? Will this law violate civil rights, both established in the Constitution, but validated by court rulings and laws passed by Congress?
It should send the message that we're fed up & we ain't gonna take it any more. However, since they have totally ignored our messages to date, ie billions $ to the fat cat bankers, billions wasted on so-called stimulas & forced feeding of national health care, suspect they'll get no message from this issue either. But, I suspect they'll get a message, loud & clear in November!!
I have never been more proud to be from Arizona. We finally are trying to make ILLEGAL immigration illegal. Some of the strongest supporters I know of this are Legal Hispanic immigrants. Its not about racism. Its usually pretty clear who is legal and who is not, regardless of ethnic background.
None, just like the bailout. Washington doesn't listen to the taxpayers that employ them and whose money they seem to use so freely.
It send the message of anger. The american people are fed up with washingtons inability to adress the issue of IllEGAL IMMIGRATION. You always hear the word immigration in the media, yet they fail to add the word ILLEGAL there? Thats our problem, and thats exactly why I am so proud to be living in Az, where we are adressing the real problem. Im sorry Boston, and San Francisco we adress our issues. By the way, the boycott is a disgrace!
The message is crystal clear Jack that this immigration law in Arizona signed by Governor Jan Brewer makes sense! The federal Goverment is doing nothing to address the issue of immigration so the state of Arizona says there going to take matters into there own hands and pass there own law and its a good bill. We have laws in this country and the law says that you must have the proper paper work or a green card to be in the U.S.! If you look like an immigrant you should be questioned and asked to show proof that you belong here, I'd be proud to prove where Im supposed to be, the only people that are against this are the illegals who shouldn't be here anyway. I say great job Governor Brewer and other states should follow her example!
Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)
The truth is that the imigration laws do not so much need to be overhauled as to just be enforced. The best first step is to secure the border and to enforce the Federal laws that the Arizona law mirrors. The second is to go after the employers and the abusers of social programs. When there is no more free food stamps, welfare and medical care (only emergency care, and then they should be given an opportunity to leave within 3 months on their own, this will make them think twice about using emergency for the common cold) then they will go home on their own. Only ones left will be drug smugglers. They will not hide as easily without the others to hide among. This is what the AZ law is about, being allowed to enforce existing law.
I strongly disagree with Arizona's new immigration law and believe the poll results do not fairly represent all Americans.
This is one of those issues that shouldn't be decided by public opinion. If it were up to public opinion, we'd still have slavery in this country. Like most things that are happening in "other parts of the country", people will feel strongly about it and are very vocal about it...but ask them if they'd support such a policy if it were enacted in their state, in their neighborhoods, and you'll get a different response.
The majority of the country also believed that slavery was a good thing at one point...doesn't make it right or constitutional.
it is a waste to make new laws when we dont enforce the existing ones.........................................
Jack,
It means, simply, that Americans are more interested in remaining closed minded than in upholding the Constitution.
Brian
Boise, ID
Jack,
While most Americans support Arizona's immigration law, it's a shame that most of our leaders do not. I can't wait for November!
Not sure where you get your percentage from. Most people I talk to feel the law is entirely in the wrong direction. The Governor of Arizona did very little to stop business or Universities from recruiting illegal aliens. Colleges loved getting students from other countries especially those where their government funded the student's tuition, then the colleges did little if nothing in tracking those students to make sure they were still attending classes. Businesses loved the cheap labor and Government turned a blind eye as they were bused across the border. And now they want to take back their State. All this law does is move the problem to another state, I haven't read anything about stopping the flow across the border or how colleges and Universities will track their foreign students.
It's obvious, the bottom line is votes, anything that washington does to even begin to look anti-hispanic results in these gutless guys doing nothing. So we, the residents of arizona, are on our own. 70% of us support this law as we are in the crosshairs of this crisis. And thanks a lot mr. obama for your depiction of a hispanic man being accosted as he takes his son for ice cream, remarks like that just make things worse. I live in tucson and we all get along great here. I'm disappointed that a president would try and drive a wedge between all the wonderful people living here............. gregg cross tucson arizona
Until they think they will lose thier jobs over it, it will have no impact other that the typical political posturing and empty promises. The greatest benefit of the Arizona Law is that it may be the catalyst to wake up Washington. It sends a message- Hey! If you won't do anything about it then we will and if you don't like it then either put up or shut up!!
Use some common sense folks, illegal is what it is, there is no getting around it. We have the United States to the north and Mexico to the south, two distinctly different countries - at some point we have to enforce the border that runs between them - it is what it is. The only alternative is to have the United States take over Mexico, but someone would raise hell about that, too.
That Americans only believe in the Constitution when it's convenient.
It really doesn't matter to Washington, does it. They don't seem to listen to anyone except those whose hands are in their pockets. I'd like for them to explain how we can be safe from terrorist when our borders are so open. We need cheap labor? How many 2nd generation illegals (who are legal by this time) are doing manual labor? So we have to keep the borders open to keep the cheap labor coming in? Why not just give our country away – that's what we are doing in small increments anyway – and all for cheap goods!
Luray, VA
As a naturalized citizen, ( by following the legal process), I wonder why some citizens think that someone who has entered this country illegally, has the same rights as those that are here legally. People who enter this country illegally, are not just undocemneted workers, they have broken one of probably many laws.. so why should they be allowed to become a citizen.. They could possibly stay in the country, as long as they come forward, pay a process fee, and stay employed, but would never be allowed to become a citizen but could stay here and work (and pay taxes,etc).. They would never be allowed to apply for welfare, etc. They would have to prove that they are paying taxes, etc before their children are allowed to attend schools, etc.
thank you for taking the time to read this..
From Spokane, Wa.
Solution: Definitely NO Amnesty! put heavy penalties on businesses big and small who hire illegal aliens – Isn't day laborers a blatant enough? if this was enforced they will deport themselves. And most importantly, NO Anchor babies. This abused has saturated not only the number of illegals in the USA but our social services, hospitals and especially the public schools where other students are held back because non-speaking english students hinders them to progress. To be in America do it the legal way. There are millions of foreigners who await legally to enter and give progress to the country. Haven't our government realized how low on test scores and grades we are compared to , Europe, Asia, and 3rd world countries? Shameful and big embarrassment to the USA.
The Arizona law is a poor response to a major problem. Yes, Congress needs to pass new immigration legislation. And the Republicans need to put a bit more effort into the idea of legislating than just saying "No." But first the American people need to understand that American business has never wanted to pay full price for labor and we as consumers have benefited from the exploitation of illegal labor. Once we understand that we as a nation can no longer exploit people, we can then move on to legalizing those that are here and paying for their labor.
The Arizona Law is nothing but legalized humiliation of minorities. The old white power structure only knows how to humiliate and hold down close to 50% of our society. They do not know how to constructively engage.
Pretty soon all they will have to do is ask to see their medical insurance card. Supposidly every citizen will have one. National ID card anyone??
Meant to say, he was NOT traveling outside the US. Traveling from CA to AZ. .... Corrected in full here: Do people realize this means that everyone in or visiting Arizona will have to carry paperwork proving their legal status or citizenship? Last year someone I know was pulled over by the cops. He had a California DL that they told him wasn't sufficient. He's Canadian, with a visa. Didn't have his passport and visa on him because he was not traveling outside the US. They threatened to jail him but eventually released him. His company employs people in Arizona. He was visiting his employees. How are the police to tell a citizen from a non-citizen, unless all carry paperwork? Birth certificates? Immigration documents?Passports? Is this workable?
I stick by my guns, this is the United States of America not Nazi Germany. The immigration law is not right unless you consider taking away the rights and liberties of leaglized and US born citizens to be the right thing? There is no question that "illegal immigration" is an issue how ever it's a step back from any progress this country has made toward racism, or is this country just showing it's true colors. Where will this stop? As it is now, Americans associate Islam with terrorism, they are not one in the same. So now we can add being hispanic to the list of misconceptions. Maybe African Americans had it right all along.
I think it sends a strong message to Washington but I'm afraid our representatives(?) don't care what we think.They only care about their big money employers who want all the illegal aliens they can get.
Keith Long
Enforcement of this law heavily relies on subjective judgement which can result in treating people unfairly.
Of course most Americans support this law. The feds are doing nothing to clean up the immigration mess so the states will have to do it. Funny the federal government has turned its head for decades and allowed illegals to come into the US and work for US companies. We have no one to blame but ourselves. If you fine our put out of business the companies that hire them they will not come because there would be no jobs!
I say it means we are sick and tired of people flaunting the law. Come here legally or not at all. The lawmakers in Washington D.C. either don't know how to fix the problem which makes them stupid. Or there don't care what the people want which makes them arogant and out of touch. either way they all need to be retired. And when I say Washington I mean Dems and Repubs.
At a time when unemployment is so high, of course we the people, support this bill. A landscaping business owner on the news the other day said he, "...couldn't find a legal citizen to push a lawn mower for $40 a day." Well of course you can't. What citizen is going to work 8+ hours in the hot AZ sun ALL DAY to take home $25. Think about it.
I think it sends a strong message to Washington but I'm afraid our representatives(?) don't care what we think.They only care about their big money employers who want all the illegal aliens they can get.
Keith Long
Council Bluffs, Iowa
The law just reinforces a law that the federal government should be implementing. Its about time someone did something about this. They claim its 12 million illegals here, I suspect that number to be much higher because how can you count them if there undocumented? Good job Arizona you will get my tourist dollar every time.
Jack, if the government really cared they would make E-Verify mandatory with huge fines/jail for those who hire. Then Illegal aliens would leave on their own because no work. Very little cost to us.
Also, America is getting a lot stupid with this rights violation nonsense. Rights are great but I was a cop for 30 years and from 1968 to in the 80,s arresting illegal aliens only for immigration violation was legal and I and no officer I know of ever arresting anyone who turned out to be legal. let the law work and it will. Suppose a dirty bomb went off killing ten of thousands with threats of more to come. Would America really not want the cops to stop anyone from the mideast to make sure they are legal? This is Criminal profiling and I suggest these fool rights idiots look up what that is.
Jack, these polls are missing the point – Americans (white ones) don't understand that this law will harass people who are here legally. Do the polls ask " Would you mind being deported by mistake because you are not carrying documents that prove that you are here legally?" Nope! And you also need to know that this law is unfunded – it puts massive burden on our law enforcement personnel to verify that people are here legally, without providing the human and financial resources to do so. Our law enforcement agencies are already suffering under budget cuts. Do we want people stopped for committing crimes, or do we want them stopped because they look suspiciously like they are here illegally? I know what I want!
Jack,
It shows us simply that the majority of Washington is out of touch with what the majority of the American people want.
This whole thing is panning out to be just another reality show. Each day's episode will reflect a staged crisis (past or present) in hopes that the minority of votors will sway the majority of voters to lose support for immigration reform . You just can't please all of the people all of the time with any law. But all the airtime goes towards the vocal majority because news organizations compete to bring us the news first. It's not time for the politicians to listen yet – not close enough to election time...and to see who contributes the most for their message.
"How ever it's a step back from any progress this country has made toward racism, or is this country just showing it's true colors. Where will this stop? So now we can add being hispanic to the list of misconceptions."
This isn't an Anti-Mexican Immigration Law. This is an Illegal Immigration Law. It doesn't just apply to mexicans, but it just so happens that a vast majority of illegal immigrants in Arizona are mexican. If you're an illegal canadian immigrant, illegal japanese immigrant, illegal period, this law applies to you.
I've found that a vast majority of people against the law are either: A) not from Arizona and have no idea what a real problem illegal immigration causes, B) mexican and think this is an anti-mexican law, or C) both.
It means the expression of people's many frustrations of not seeing comprehensive immigration reforms done and it means people want reforms done!
Washington is not listening to most of what the people want. They are instead doing what the party or the president wants. They are employed by the people we are the boss although, we have been silent too long.
When I worked ,I did what my boss wanted. If I felt I could not comply on moral or other grounds then I could leave or be fired. November will the pink slip day. If you are currently serving, start looking for work.
It SHOULD send a message that the ones most upset about the law are the minority. It SHOULD prove that the reason why California is facing a $14 billion deficit is because they are the most lenient when it comes to illegals. The new law in Arizona means more will go to California... No wonder they're mad.
its a problem as these guys come here and fleece the system having 5 to 6 kids all paid by us tax payers and the they take WIC and food stamps and also free CHIP services while paying no taxes and also saying that its their right while overwhelming the schools again free boarders as homeowners pay higher taxes they need to be kicked out in short. giving them amnesty will lopside the whole country and you will have nothing but uneducated leeches whoom have we have to take care of while we work our butts of to support our families.by the way I am an Asian legal migrant I dont think we need 13 million grasscutters in this country we need 13 million engineers or Doctors not grasscutters.
The message sent to Washington is less important than what Washington hears. Politicians are deaf in both ears and blind in both eyes. Ha! Ha! The message on illegal immigration and amnesty was sent long ago and politicians just don’t care.
dw – austin
I support the law. It's past time to enforce it. We have too many illegals in this country that are liers, thieves and don't pay taxes.
What it says to me is that Americans are tired of footing the bill for illegal immigrants and their children. I think a majority of Americans are tired of their tax dollars being spent on social services for people who aren't even citizens of this country. As a veteran, I'm not entitled to half of the educational and medical benefits afforded to illegal immigrants. It isn't a racist issue, it's a matter of dollars and cents...or sense.
Come to the United Staes legally, as other countires would want and enforce, so should we. Being American isn't about where or who you are..it's about being an AMerican and wanting to be here and being a part of this country..not a burden to it, or to flaunt careless attitudes toward this country.
That the public is tired of Washington's hypocrisy on this issue and the public will back any and all state legislators with balls!
It means that majority of the people in Arizona are Republicans Jack.
I think a lot of people don't know exactly what the bill entails, but the numbers line up with the fact that many Americans are just generally anti-immigrant, and so any bill that they think reflects tougher measures on immigration will be met with general popular support.
And by "many" I mean in the 50-60% range.
illegal is illegal.....period.
I will agree that the Federal government is not on top of many needed changes. Arizona is still wrong. A Nation with out laws and a restless people is a nation in trouble. Taking action as Arizona has outside the Federal government is like the old West vigilantes. As far as I'm concerned the nation did not pull away from Arizona but Arizona pulled away from the United States of America. We might not be perfect, but we are either going down together or change together. The South tried this once before and Arizonians needs to read their history books. Or they might end up belonging to Mexico again. I am still an American. I hope we will move forward rather than continuing down in a spiral decline.
The only thing these polls show me is the people are becoming like their leaders talking just to hear their heads rattle.
I say "SUPPORT ARIZONA" with their stand on illegal immigrants. It does not matter what political pursuasion you are as many administrations have had the opportunity to address this issue, and have not. They are WAY more worried about getting re-elected than doing anything that is good for the legal citizens of this country. I would hope that more states would do the same as Arizona! If my state of Washington does it, I will be out supporting their decision!
Ron Kent
Vancouver, WA
how long Mexico going to be exporting his own problems to USA,they also go intruded in American internal affairs when used the media in our soil to defend illegal inmigrationt.
O glez
NJ
Santa Monica,
Jack, I am a US citizen and I would do anything for anybody, however, this country is in an economic mess right now. The Presidents past and present always avoid the "immigration" issue. They need the votes. Wouldn't President Obama be a hero if he promised undocumented workers help later, but not until we get our finances under control first? Any non-enforcement of our country's immigration laws shows that our president has little regard for it's honest taxpayers. People who are honest always have to foot the bill for those who are not.
Jack, I fear it means that our public education system is far more flawed than we could even imagine. Do schools not teach the consititution any longer? As some like to say "This is America", when did we stop allowing the free movement of our citizens without their carrying "papers" like was required in the Soviet Union and Eastern Germany as well as other places. Aren't we supposed to be better than that? Denying citizens the right of due process is very UN-American and we obviously need to better educate our citizens. Democracy is dependent upon an educated electorate and we are in trouble.
I couldn't agree more with the Arizona law. Washington has been sitting on their rear ends long enough. Every administration hopes the next administration will take care of it. Enough is enough. Send them back.
It means that the far right has something else to blame this administration for! Why wasn't it taken care of when Bush was in office? Was it because his son is married to a mexican woman. I don't know but I don't like where this is heading especially today, people for the new law are asking people to turn people in that they think may be illegal or businesses that might have anyone working for them. Is it 1941?
The message it should send to DC is that it's time to do something. This law goes too far, and anyone that takes a little bit of time to look into the facts can see that, but we are sick and tired of nothing. The simple truth is that as long as wealthy Americans and business owners are willing to hire illegals, we'll continue to have illegals. The problem isn't the boarder or the illegals, it's our own citizens that encourage their actions. Deal with the root issue here, not the symptoms.
It means that there really is a (nearly) silent majority that is tired of being called racist for being tired of being overrun by illegals.
The message should be wake up and put the National Guard on the Border – now! This is a national security and federal deficit issue. Arizona can not support 500,000 illegals who do not pay federal income taxes, social security taxes, state income taxes, and property taxes, yet they can use our hospitals, drive without auto insurance, put 70 people in a home, take American jobs, and put their kids in our schools. Why isn't President Obama addressing the issue with the Mexican President, his people need jobs, healthcare and education, and we can not continue to give it to them for free. We understand wanting a better life, who doesn't but try assimilation and paying taxes, all of them, not just sales taxes on what they purchase.
Jack,
When our military and intelligence communities acted to keep us safe, AG Holder insisted that we prosecute them because we are a nation of laws. Here we are talking about people who have violated our immigration laws and politicians are suddely not so concerned about our laws, why you ask. It is simple, these are potential voters, damn the American citizen, politicians need votes and considering that illegals are most likely to vote democrats we are looking at a massive amnesty. I suggest we extend amnesty to our military and intelligence community.
How novel! A law that makes illegal to be illegal!
Lets see if these idiots in Washington get it.
Just in case – Hey stupid, we really mean it!
Next we'll pass a law that says your fired if you don't make law that is in the best interest of those who gave you the job.
Hey – wait a minute....
The federal government will not do anything about illegal immigration because it is not in the economic interest of American businesses to do so. Illegal immigration provides a cheap, willing source of labor for the people who contribute the most to political campaigns and have the largest and best-funded lobbying operations in Washington. This is the same reason that the bailout money went to huge banks to use as they wished rather than to average Americans who couldn't pay their mortgages. The Obama administration is manned by Goldman Sachs alumni - as were both Bush administrations and the Clinton administration. They are bottom-line, mini-max guys who see illegal immigration as a way to send jobs offshore without crossing all that water.
At least Arizona is taking a step to enforce our immigration laws, even if the Feds won't. The next big step now should be to secure our borders, then we can debate immigration reform.
It should send a very clear and easy to understand message to washington.Stop this insane flow of mexicans into our country or lose your job. Secure our borders,beef up border patrols,and get rid of the illegals and those that hire them.The mexicans can protest all they want but they don't run this country yet.
This law does not change the current definition of "REASONABLE SUSPICION". As I read through the language of the bill, I see nothing that would motivate the cops to indulge in "racially profiling" any more that it may be done now.
This bill is not racist or unconstitutional.
I am not sure it has any bearing to what Law makers in washington should do. If they were patriots then they would do the right thing anyways. Unfortunately with Washington the way it is, they will probably cave in to popularity. People should realize that majority of people in U.S. during the civil war supported slavery too. Majority of Germans probably Popular opinion doesn't mean right or appropriate.
Los Angeles, CA.
Most Americans still like to believe that we are a Nation that follows the "rule of law". No one in Washington since the nineteen-eighties
has been brought to task for not obeying our immigration laws. What an insult to those who followed the rules for immigrating "legally",
when all they had to do was walk over the Southern border!
Beverly
MI
I love all of these references to the law being "unconstitutional." I'm pretty sure that the U.S. Constitution exists to protect the citizens of the U.S. If you're not a legal citizen, you don't get to enjoy the protections of our Constitution.
It says that 8 years of being told it is better to be "safe" than experience the liberty and freedom our country was founded for has had a profound effect on Americans. "Show me your papers" just takes me back to all the WWII movies with the Gestapo. We can do better, and maybe remember that immigration has made us stronger generation after generation.
Jack,
Isn't it obvious to the liberal left in Washington. This country as a whole is center right. Not even 25% make up the left or far left beliefs.
Washington politicians are a joke. This is not the United States of Mexico and Central America. The Mexicans lost two wars on that front to the USA and the 60 plus percent are willing to fight it again.
Trashy neighborhoods, gangs are the common denominator, not speaking english, and milking the system. Where is the pride of keeping your neighborhood clean. Where is the pride in letting gangs mark their territory in graffi and make it look dumb. They say we do all your dirty work. I say, if you are not there, then we will do all our dirty work.
I personally have no problem with immigrants coming to our country. We should be trying to help them, not send them back. I live in New York and I'm totally against the people who come over here, planning to kill us all. But if you want come to america and contribute to our society in a positive way, then yeah, join the party.
Right on Dan- very eloquently stated!!!
If the Federal government won't enforce immigration laws, then its up to the states (GO ARIZONA) to protect the borders and ALL of our security and best interests!!!! Its simple- if you are not of legal status- then go back to wherever until you gain legal staus!!!! NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It tells me prejudice still exists. I remember in Miami when Jews started what they called "taking over" A hotel in Miami advertised "a room with a view and without a jew", when Jews started moving in.. I remember problems in Brighton Beach Brooklyn when Russians became the majority. And now, Mexicans in Arizona. Someone from Arizona told me people are uncomfortable with the Mexicans taking over. Get over it guys!. We're a nation of immigrants. That's what makes us great!
Moravia, New York
Your assertion that after such a long time after 9/11 the US borders are no more secure now than then is just plain false, and demonstrably so. Do some research Jack, before you make up phony claims like that. The borders ARE more secure, not less, year by year, due to efforts by DHS/CBP and many thousands of new Border Patrol Agents.
I think the law is a less designed to curb illegal immigration and more to move the Federal Goverment to do it's job. As to the charge that this will invoke racial profiling, That is a no starter with me. #1. Federal law already requires legal immigrants to carry thier documentation and present it to a law enforcement official on request. The federal law does not address the reasonable suspision issue. #2 if more Latinos get asked to produce their documents rather than Whites, Asians, Arabics or other nationality, it't not profiling: it's statistics. I would guess that consevatively we have 95% of illegal immigrants coming across our southern boarder are Latinos. Hense more checks of that demographic to yeild more success
The message that it sends is loud and clear Jack, enforce the current law, punish ALL employers that hire illegal immigrants with at least a $50,000 fine per illegal worker, and most importantly PROTECT OUR BORDERS NOW.
The reason that illegal aliens & Amnesty supporters really hate the LAW is…………….it will WORK! When other states see Arizona’s success they will be forced to adopt identical laws.
Seattle Washington
Jeremy
Business Owner
It tells Washington that we do not want to be Mexico annex. It says close our borders and send all illegal people home to their country of birth.
I don't support Arizona's law. I believe it will prove to be unconstitutional.
If someone doesn't like the way I look, then they can look the other way, but don't dare demand I prove who I am just to satisfy their racist leanings.
Maria
Brunswick,MD
Of course this law "sounds" wonderful, right? Its designed, after all, to try and stem the tide of illegal immigration. How can this be a bad thing? Its bad because it absolutely is racist! I'm a typical WASP. (white Anglo Saxon protestant) and wouldn't get stopped and asked for "proof" of my resident status because I'm white... If your Latino, legal or illegally here you can get stopped.. If your here legally, you can get stopped over and over and over and over.. And the kicker is, you cant complain, you have to prove every time your stopped that you are here legally.. I wouldn't have to prove it ONE time, but because your skin is a different color, you might have to prove it ALL the time.
I don't believe racial profiling is a bad issue....The gov already observes Gender profiling....just look over the door of public bathrooms....and all other countries require Pass Ports......duh.....the whole thing is silly...In the future the only place not requiring ID will be Heaven or Hell......well Muslims may have to ask the virgins for an ID...for PROOF....end of story..........
I support the Arizona law and I hope California and Texas pass similar laws.. Now, we just need to enforce the LAW!!!
What's the basis for this question? I have not talked with one single person who agrees with the Arizona law...just saying the majority of US agrees, doesn't make it so...honestly...
Washington does not care about Americans!!! what do the Corporations think????????
Obviously all the politicians live in beautiful, clean cities and do not have to wait in Emergency Rooms while the illegals are being treated for minor health issues; They have not visited a post office on a Friday and observed all the money orders being sent to Mexico; they have not stood in a grocery checkout line and watched as illegals use a Food stamp debit card to pay for their groceries; They have not had an automated voice response on a phone call state "for English, press 1". People in California and Arizona are sick to death of the violence and the overpopulation the illegals have brought to our states. They exhaust our services, have their anchor baby(ies) and want amnesty. It is not right. Illegal is illegal.
Americans are tired of people coming to this country and violating our laws by working and living here illegally. The illegals are taking jobs and driving down wages for America's poor.
No matter how popular the Arizona law is with the public the real question is do you follow the constitution or not ,it is not to be used part time when it suits you.
It says we are tired of people coming to our country illegally, demanding social services, "rights," and "respect," and driving us to bankruptcy. We want our borders secured NOW, we want to put an end to illegal immigration (including visa overstays), and we don't want to reward cheaters!
Sue in Los Angeles
Jack, it send's the message that Americans support the ideal protected, secure international border and aggressive customs policy that this new law takes a big step towards. Americans are also frustrated that neither political party at the federal level will do what is necessary to get effective federal legislation (of any kind) in place to curtail illegal immigration.
Madison, Wisconsin
Jack: If is acceptable to set up road blocks to check for DUI, why is it unacceptable to do the same to check immigration status????
Do the dummies in Washington ever think of anything but votes?
With nearly a quarter of all illegal immigrants - 2 million plus - in Southern California (where I reside), I am absolutely in favor of this bill. Why is it wrong to ask someone to provide proof they are in this country legally? When I'm pulled over, I have to show the officer my license and registration. Heck, I can't even sign my son up for little league without providing them a copy of his birth certificate. In November, I will only vote for the candidate for California governor who will promise to solve the illegal immigration crisis that's crippling our state.
We should back off no illegal immigrants until this nation stops extending unemployment benefits and stops handing out welfare checks to able-bodied workers.
Somebody has to do the work.
Mike Beck
Houston
To me it says that 60% of the people in AZ watching the Los Suns and Los Spurs game tonite hope they both lose..
It says that Washington fiddles while Rome burns. Politicians only act to protect thier jobs. They don't care. Citizens are frustrated and fearful of the "brown horde". Its still a basically racist underpinning that drives U. S. citizen fears. Note how many times it is assumed immigrants are illegal. Greed also drives those Americans that hire illegal labor. Eliminate the reasons illegals come across the border. Make it really painful for anyone to hire an illegal. Triple fines, then triple again for second offendors. Triple again for third offendors and include jail time. Cheap jobs dry up equals cheap labor not coming here.
Its easy for politicians to pass legislation against the immigrants. In this case affecting mostly hispanics. Its also an easy way out for Americans instead of holding their Washing politicians feet to the fire for sitting on thier backsides and not taking any real action to attempt to solve the problem.
It should send the message that Civics 101 is not getting enough attention in our schools.
The message is pretty clear ' Reform our immigration system. On the contrary, Jack , the 9/11 terrorists, the shoe bomber, the underwear bomber , these terrorists are not illegals, even the time square terrorist is an American citizen.
As soon as all those that approve this law are ready to do hard menial
jobs that pay little , in place of the people that we are shipping home, I am on board.
The fact that a majority of American's support this law will do nothing to persuade Washington to re-think their stance. Washington is unwilling to take the responsibility, and admit that racial profiling is necessary and the only way to truly deal with illegal immigration. But that would be unconstitutional!
It means we can't take it anymore, and the federal government needs to get of their backsides and so something to secure our borders. I keep hearing the Republicans are anti-illegals – well if they were, why the hell didn't they secure the border when they were in control of the congress? Democrats are just as bad, they want to give blanket amnesty to law-breakers to secure their votes, instead of our borders.
It tells them in Washington to pick up the pace and come across with comprehensive illegal immigration reform or the states will do it for themselves. The govenors of these border states have a responsibility to protect their citizens.
How exactly does this bill harm anyone?
All it really does is require a person to be able to prove that they're here legally... essentially provide some ID.
When a police officer asks a driver for their license in a routine traffic stop, how is that any different? Should we not expect legal non-citizens to carry ID?
The law is just fine. Couple it with STEEP fines for people who hire illegals, and I'm all for it.
Why don't we practice the same immigration laws here in America that Mexico adheres to there toward none Mexican citizens. Also the part about if you are not a naturallized citizen of Mexico you are a second class citizen and can not hold public office.
According to the Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Department 90% of violent
crime in their jurisdiction is committed
by illegal immigrants
So enough of this argument about how
Mexicans aren't terrorist. You don't
have to be a terrorist to be extremely
dangerous to society.
To answer your question Jack, congress
just doesn't give a damn.
First i commend you on your work!
I live in NYC and am enraged about our immigration policies!
First of all, i would like to know if this recent NYC bomber paid for his own collegeeducation! I BET H E DIDN'T! Someone should check out this country's universities and colleges especially in the ny and surrounding areas and you will see a multitude of students from INDIA and the ARAB COUNTRIES who come to this country under SPECIAL RULES AND SPECIAL STUDENT VISAS and get their degress for free!!! And what is the thank you? They become terrorists!
HOW MANY MORE TERRIORIST BOMBERS ARE WE EDUCATING FOR FREE??? Our own kids in the US cant afford to go to college!!
Yet thousands of foreigners are funded by this country!!!
Mr.Cafferty i am counting on you lto look into this!!!
As a LEGAL immigrant from South Africa who struggled 7 years to get my green card, I do think immigration reform is necessary. However, KUDOS to Arizona for starting to crack down on ILLEGAL immigrants. They can stop me every day and ask for my green card and I will be happy and proud to show it to them.
Allowing ILLEGALS to run down the country and then protect them and give them rights is wrong. Great job, Arizona!
It reminds Washington that the noisy marjority can be dead wrong, that there's a good reason our Constitution does not put fundamental rights up for popular vote.
The majority of Americans supported slavery, and they were wrong.
The majority of Americans supported Jim Crow, and they were wrong.
Tha majority of Americans supported Japanese internment, and they were wrong.
Leadership does not consist of reading polls and swaying with the wind. Both parties in Congress need to grow a spine and stand up to the majority when the majority is wrong.
What many don't realize is that this law open up the door for more power to the police to question anyone. These Amercian's for this law would not be so for it if they were the ones being stopped by police. Imagine being pulled over because you have a NRA sticker on your car because you might have a illegal gun or getting pulled over because you leave a liquor store and you might be drunk. Probabal cause is the foundation of the law. It is what seperates us from oppressive governments. Be careful what you ask for America, your Republican's cry about big government but isn't this law giving big brother more power than ever?
Does it matter to Washington that a majority of Americans support Arizona's new immigration law? Not a wit- except as a signal to rachet up deception with half-truths. All Washington cares about is support from special interests that fund campaigns. Even 9/11 didn't didn't shame Washington into enforcing our immigrations laws. Remember, there is no proof/verification of Citizenship required to vote. Deep pockets will buss in all the votes needed. The farce of Citizen representation in Congress is joke, but the only ones laughing are the Lobbyist.
It's not the message that the polls are sending to congress and our president it's the message that they are sending to the American people by their actions (or rather their inactions). That is: I want your vote so I can get here but don't expect me to represent you. You just don't put enough money in my pocket for that.
I'm for the new Arizona law. Citizens should have their ID on them at all times anyway. If you read the documents there are measures to avoid racial profiling.
I don't mind immigrants, but it's the ones who come here and leech the system, using babies as paychecks for welfare. I pay my taxes, I work hard, and it frustrates me that people come here illegally, get fake ID or steal someones identity to get jobs here. Then they don't even pay taxes and send money out of the country. It is hurting our beloved state. I'm glad there are people in AZ who have the balls to do something about this.
Being here illegal is just that, ILLEGAL!
It seems to me that the problem with border control is a multifaceted one. First, we have a problem with terrorists crossing the border. Then we have a problem with drug trafficking and people bringing drugs across the border. And last but not least is the problem of too many illegal immigrants causing over population and a competition for jobs and services. People in the Federal Government needs to address these problems. It is only going to get worse.
Brian Larkin...
Exactly what is unconstitutional about asking someone for ID? If the're citizens, they'll have it. If they're illegals, they won't.
A related issue... Are illegals protected by the Constitution?
Although I hate illegal immigrants as much as the next guy the law has to change. It DIRECTLY violates the 4th ammendment of the Constitution. What is to stop government from directly violating other ammendments?
I think we have a delicate situation in Arizona. Our government doesn't have a good record with minorities. We have mistreated Irish, Japanese (during WW2), Chinese, Hispanic, and Native Americans. We need to make sure we minimize those problems but secure our borders against illegal aliens from any nation and prevent drugs and other items from entering our country. It's a tough place to be but we must take care of it now!
Las Vegas, Nv
I'll need to plan a vacation to Arizona to support their economy if the Los Angeles City Council votes for a boycott. Janice Hahn, my own council woman, is the one who proposed it, and I'm embarrased. Why should a state be boycotted for ENFORCING THE LAW! And, please, stop lumping all immigrants into one basket. Americans are not anti-immigrant and we are not racist against brown people. We just expect the people who come here to do it lawfully.
At the least, Arizona has brought the immigration problem to the attention of America. The federal government has it head so far up their own rear end, it can't act on any important issue. Our leaders main conceren is getting re-elected, not what is important to the citizens. When election time rolls around, all these morons who dodge real problems, are in for a big surprise. Most of these politicians are owned by the illegal Federal Reserve, and won't do anything to go against Ben Bernanke and his banker cronies. Sad, but true.
I don't want 51% of those surveyed to decide on my or others civil rights.
If I take on somebody's social and pretend to be that person, I stand charged of identy theft. If an illegal alien takes somebody's social, they get pitty and there are calls of racism calls for protection by advocacy groups. For all those out there that have ever had their identity stolen, you know that it is NOT a victimless crime.
I need a license to drive, I need identification to board a plane,I need ID to get a drink or get cigarrettes, I need an ID to open a bank account; my children were required to present a social security card to start public school, yet children of illegals are not; I need ID to check into the hospital, not if you are illegal. Heck, we even deliver your baby for free, give it citizenship AND give it free medical care all as a gift for crossing illegally; I need ID for all kinds of things, but god forbid I ask whether you broke the law and came to this country illegally. Where is the logic?
Complain, Complain, Complain!!!! Everybody thinks their
complaint is the worst. If you want real change in Washington then
we should do away with campaign funding. Big money, ie, private corporations and companies, PACs and religious organizations,
wealthy individuals can not weigh in on anything. Then Senators/President/Congressman purely serve the voters who sent him or her to Washington. Along with limitations on the amount of time given to campaigning and dollars spent from a individual State monitored tax payer fund for campaigns.
The issue should not only be about Mexican illegals but how many other "illegals" from other places are here in the US as well. If we can't control just one border, how can we believe that any border is secure? After 911 the people of the US were promised more security and protection from any disaster again, no matter from where a threat came. We have become a magnet for every unhappy immigrant from all over the world. Do we just allow our country to be invaded and stand by and wait for another big surprise. Immigration has been put on the back burner way too long. Reform and enforcement is the issue and it has come to a boiling point. We need to make our elected officials to hear our voices and stop their game of political correctness. There has to be an orderly path to citizenship and that includes background checks, and citizenship fees and the establishment and enforcing of our current laws. Period, enough said.
I don't think Congress or the Pres will address this issue until it is near election time and then they will vote to make them all legal so they can vote. I really don't think they listen to the people and we should vote them out of office.
"If your Latino, legal or illegally here you can get stopped.. If your here legally, you can get stopped over and over and over and over.. "
-Jimmy S.
Another one who hasn't read the SB1070 law.
The law is 100% constitutional, so I fail to see what the issue is.
Cops have been able to demand ID and even perform a physical search (Frisk) under the per4vue of officer safety.
This has been upheld by the Supreme court since Terry v. Ohio in 1968.
Everyone over the age of 18 is required by AZ law to carry ID anyway.
The only people who seem to be up in arms about it are the people who have obviously not READ it.
I'm a 60 year old very white woman and my husband and I have been stopped twice for "silly" reasons. "Oh, I couldn't see the year sticker on your license plate" real reason – we were leaving the local fair and the police were checking to see if we had been drinking (we don't drink), 2 minutes talking to my husband and checking his license and we were on our way. The 2nd time we were stopped because the cop "thought" our tail light was out – real reason, they were randomly checking to see if drivers had insurance – we did and were on our way.
If you are legal, don't sweat it, I'm sure the police will stop enough whites/blacks and asians to avoid being accused of racial profiling.
On another note – Most of us Californians voted for Prop187 and it was torn apart by the courts. Can we get the names of the folks that wrote up the Arizona bills? They all seem to pass.
I am a (legal) immigrant and naturalized citizen myself. But, I have to say, while previously I was very much against illegal immigrants, I fully understand why the choice is to enter illegally. The path to legal immigration in the US is torturous and expensive, not simple as most people think. To immigrant labor the legal path can be so difficult as to be insurmountable. At the same time, we Americans (including most of those who support this law) have enjoyed the fruits of illegal immigration and have not been able to do without the benefit of low cost labor, that we have all turned a blind eye and de facto accepted illegal immigrants. We are all guilty of this over the last 20 – 30 years, in our quest for the lowest cost price to build our houses, fix our gutters, roofs, chimneys, etc etc. ! So now all of a sudden, when a major recession hits we want to get rid them – bit hypocritical. And who to blame? Government of course, not ourselves!
Time to reform immigration including a fair path to legalize those already hear. After all, by our actions (of government and private citizens alike), we have already accepted them in our country.
A few points to consider:
1. in 2007, AZ initiated a Employer Sanctions law that made it a crime to knowingly empoyee illegal aliens. Crime went down 27%.
2. The Federal law trumps AZ's. The feds can pull anyone over on SUSPICION alone.
3. AZ has language in the law (SB1070) that proteicts against racial profiling.
4. The media is twisintg the truth
5. AZ cant afford social services for 500,000 ppl.
6. People are smart.. society is stupid.
Its not only Mexicans. I live in New york city I'm seeing a lot
of Muslims coming in Why is this so? How did they get in here?
They come over here not conforming to the american culture., wearing
burkas that unsets me Maybe they are legal but they want to live here but don't want to be American I say go back where you come from They just use us our system collecting all the benefits that americans don't even get.
I'm sick of it. Canada doesn't have a illegal alien problem
It sends a clear message to Washington that the Tenth Amendment has not yet been repealed. It should also send a clear message to governors who want to keep their jobs. As for this being unconstitutional, The preamble of the Constitution states: We The People of the United States. Therefore, to me all the following text applies to Americans – not illegal immigrants. Uninvited guests of our country have human rights – not constitutional rights. Also, anyone who thinks this will lead to profiling needs to read the bill.
We've had it in Atlanta! These people are NOT, I repeat NOT welcome here. Please get them out of here. I'm Not talking about immigrants, I'm (and all the rest of us) are disgusted with ILLEGAL MEXICAN IMMIGRANTS. They are trying to ruin this beautiful metropolitan area and we have had enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They're like bugs, all over the place.
By the way, today is MAY 5TH. "Cinco de Mayo" is a holiday for Mexico, not the U.S.
Becky Writes:
"What's the basis for this question? I have not talked with one single person who agrees with the Arizona law...just saying the majority of US agrees, doesn't make it so...honestly..."
Are you kidding me? Where do you live? Mexico I bet.
The government needs to go after the people who employ illegal aliens. Without the magnet that encourages them to break the law, they will (hopefully) seek work visas and come here legally. I do believe there should be some reform in the manner of how we deal with work visas, but breaking our immigration laws should not be tolerated.
How many times do you get pulled over in your car and asked for your id? Do not throw this out of proportion it is illegal to be here unless you are a citizen or naturalized period. Stop making excuses for laziness. If we stop the illegals we may have time to look into the naturals and find the terrorists. This is a can of worms that no one wants to open but if we do not we are in grave danger. Our country is going broke for a number of reasons..Most of them are hiding in the shadows. I invite them to come on out and join us in solving the problems instead of causing the problems! Do not mistake my 22 year old son would be more than willing to dig a ditch or pick tomatoes if he can get a fair wage and be able to pay his bills. Mexicans are NOT the only hard working generation, quite the contrary look at the landscape in their neighborhoods in Mexico. Enough said!
Mexicans have lowered the wages for jobs, the standards for education, transformed the culture of our nations southwest, and disrespected the laws of this country which by the way make this country way better than mexico. GO home and ruin your own country lettuce pickers...we need college graduates immigrating here.
they went in the right direction but its not up to them its the federal government who needs to do the job,but with fifteen million already here looks like they have been sleeping on the job.
I think that had our founding Fathers realized what the world would come to, they may have written the constitution a little differently..... The Times Square timing didn't help.
I believe this bill is needed. However, I haven't heard any specifics on how this will be implemented...will officers be checking citizenship at random, or will someone need to have commited some offense, i.e. traffic stop. Is there going to be some kind of training before we let loose a bunch of cops who don't know how to go about this? It's a great idea but I think it could go very wrong in many ways.
Vikki
Tucson, AZ
It says that the majority of Americans are intolerant, and don't really like the Constitution very much any more. You've got to admit it's gotten kind of boring, except for the nice parts like where it says that all criminals should be able to have guns and that Corporations are people and the only people with the right to have their voices heard. Except here, Jack.
AZ is like a spinning barometer, politically. It's two major city mayors are pro-amnesty, or pro- 'backdoor' amnesty, amidst a constellation of factional rivalries.
And then the federal government is ambivalent on the issue. Arresting thousands of illegal invaders, while allowing millions more to just walk.
Could race rioting come before any government entity wakes up to simple logic? Sanctions against employers hiring the undocumented or those with bogus documents, is the key solution.
If we are building a wall up against Mexico, why not Canada?
Having worked with people in uniform in the past, some of the power mongrels put that uniform on and become overzealous on enforcing laws.
American people wouldn't want to work for $8.00 an hour cutting bushes and clipping grass. Where do people think that illegals are taking away American jobs?
Most of the companies today are sending work to Mexico, China, Phillipines, etc – why would we expect these same people not to want to come to the "land of the free and home of the brave" to see how we live?
Perhaps if we pulled out of Iraq and Afghanistan and put the money in the United States for jobs and healthcare – we might be doing America some good.
It sends a very strong and loud message. With all the protests and media twistings of this law about race, at the end of the day it is about laws and protection of US citizens not race. That is just the smoke screen to back off, well we're not backing off. I read and agree with one of the comments, the only rights an illegal person has in this country is the right to be treated humanly and fairly while being sent back home to their country of origin, period!
Enough is enough!! 12 Million illegals today, in another few years that number will double!
I'm sick and tired of saying Hispanics this, Hispanics that. This law is not KEEP THE MEXICANS OUT. This law is to get rid of ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. I understand since it is in Arizona that hispanics are the ones to get profiled but that is just how things are in AZ. If the same law were in Wisconsin and they started racial profiling WHITES I'd be more than happy to show my citizen ship. Quit your crying about racial profiling, its not the issue at hand.
As a country America needs to grow up and realize we can't save the world. The job of the U.S. government is to serve U.S. citizens and LEGAL U.S. residents (a.k.a. the people who pay taxes to fund the government).
The Arizona law that recently passed is a fatal result of the Federal Government failing to act...
Some are saying the majority of americans want this law, but time and time again history has shown us that the majority is not always right..
I strongly believe that this law encourages racial profiling and in a cynical way Ariozona made this legal and that is appalling to me ..
lets be honest and put the marbles on the table, Would the police pull over european americans too, lets be honest about that or they just pull over people of colour...
You jack always say the majority of americans want this law but let me remind you of history and the history of slavery ...
The majority is not always right ... you think about that
This law is the result of human nature being cynical at best..
This is the same state that did not want to have Martin Luther king day..
I believe its important for us to study and remember our history...
"How many Mexicans have tried to blow up buildings and kill people?
Mexicans are not terrorists. We should pick up all Paristan people and send them back instead of worrying about Mexicans."
On average, 12 American citizens are killed every single day by illegals. (google it if you don't believe me).
No, they don't blow up buildings and kill a little under 3000's people in a 1 shot terrorist act, they slowly kill more people EACH year than the souls lost on 9/11.
Misinformation and short sightedness like yours are a main reason why he are in this mess.
I wouldn't want to be a Mexican taking a vacation in Arizona.
Papers please!
I think that this law is a good law and a step in the right direction. I work in a field that deals with illegals all the time. Did you know that illegal immigrants can obtain worker's compensation benefits AND settlement money (to the tune of hundred's of thousands of dollars in some cases) even though they are illegal? I think it is ridiculous. My ancestors came through Ellis Island and immigrated the correct way. I say we need to strengthen the law and make it federal. It is high time the US stops being everyone's dumping ground and place for easy money. At what point do we say, "Enough is enough!" and start cleaning up? Further, its not just Mexican immigrants that I think should be "sent back" its anyone who is here illegally. If you want to come to the US do it the right way.
They didn't listen to us when they passed health care, why would they start listening to us now?
It sends the message that the lack of a comprehensive immigration policy is compromising our national sovereignty. Illegal immigrants are not here to embrace our values and "melt" into the melting pot. They're here to exploit our resources - free healthcare, citizenship for their children, and welfare payments for children that were born here. It's not fair that when so many rank and file, tax paying, law abiding Americans are struggling in a bad economy, not to mention the unprecedented national deficits we've been running and the bleak outlook on Social Security and other national programs many people have been paying into their whole lives, that the country is being raided and sucked dry by people who have no right to be here in the first place.
What is wrong with our country. People should be happy that at least one border state is protecting America. Why do we waste tax payers' money on homeland defense? They are certainly not protecting us. We are just inviting another 9/11. Besides, when is it right for an illegal immigrant to protest a law? America wake up and smell the coffee!
With all of the talk of lawsuits, just seems like another way the government is helping lawyers get rich at the expense of the rest of us.
Previously a person identified as Joemo stated that Mexicans are not terriorists, and that they don't blow up buildings.
While that may be tecninally correct; I'd like him to tell me why most of the prisons in the westen states are full of Illegal Hispanics? They may not blow up buildings, but they are a bunch of thugs who do a lot of drug-related crimes. The legal taxpayers of this country and namely the citizens of those western states are paying the bill to house and feed them. When they get out of jail or prison and are deported, they show back up in our country almost imediatly, due to our poor border security.
Maybe not terriorists, but gang related crime for sure.
Bottom line – the only reason that Arizona would pass such a law is there are 12MILLION ILLEGAL ALIENS in our country. We must sevure our borders.
It is not that they are mexicans, but they are not here legally. if they wish to come to the usa, let them do it the right way. Most of us in this country, at one time, had a relative come from the 'old county' and went through the system to put them here legally. Let America be for legal Americans!!!
Just what part of illegal doesn't Washington understand? We don't need immigration reform, we need Washington to uphold the laws that we have already! Stop worrying about pissing off Latinos. If we were to cross into their country illegally we would be tossed in jail. Why the worry about carrying papers, if we go to other countries we are REQUIRED to carry our passports and other legal forms of identification at all times! Why is Washington so worried about what illegals think? They BROKE THE LAW not us!
How is this law unconstitutional? There are no constitutional protections that allow people to illegally enter our country and break our laws.
It is critical to underline the term ILLEGAL.
Secure the border first, then deal with the problem of illegals already here. As long as people are hungry they will continue to come across an unsecured border. Not to compare humans to animals, but have you ever fed a stay dog Jack? Once you do it once you own him. Plus lets not forget The US"s thirst for drugs. If you want to freely consume drugs then you have to deal with the consequences of the trade. Murder and mayherm.
So what? The Constitution is set up to protect minority rights, to guard against the tyranny of majority.
Once upon a time, most in America embraced segregation.
Control the borders first. Stop illegals from entering the country. Send back illegal immigrants to their countries. If the parents want to take their children with them (children who are born in the US) that is fine. They – the children can come back legally after they become an adult. If the parents do not want to take their children with them (if they want the children to stay in the US) that is fine too. In that case they can be brought up in foster homes like a lot of other American kids.
Says to me that the media and the pundits have it wrong – America really IS fed up. An illegal immigrant is not an "immigrant" or an "undocumented worker" or some other whitewash. My family didn't get here until the 1880's, but they had to go through the process then. Why do so many feel entitled to skip the process now – and why do so many in America (40%) actually support their behavior?
It says that a large percentage of White Americans are very fearful of losing their "majority" status as the growing numbers of people of color (i.e., Latino Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans combined) threatens to make them just another minority group. The proof is that this racist and unconstitutional law is aimed solely at people of Mexican descent - there is no emphasis whatsoever on illegal immigrants from places like Canada, eastern and western Europe, or Russia, most of whom are White. Under this law, "reasonable suspicion" of being an illegal immigrant seems to hinge solely on whether or not the person appears to be of Mexican descent. It should also be noted that this anti-Mexican sentiment, which has been growing since 9-11, is misplaced and misguided in the context of anti-terrorism - there are no Mexican members of Al Queada.
I've been writing letters for 18 months asking the Obama administration to enforce laws already on the books.Immigration, NAFTA,meat packers, you name it... If a law becomes inconvenient to big business it just stops getting enforced.Congress doesn't have the back-bone to even insist on upholding current law and they won't put any teeth in new ones either.
Everyone in America should have to carry a legal citizen badge
and the US could charge $5 for you to obtain one.
"Just because a majority of people agree on something doesn't make it right."
AMEN to that...just look in the White House!
I am Mexican /American and I am American first. I support Arizona Law for varies reason. If you come into the U.S. illegal you are breaking, I understand them coming here to persue the American dream. but my children as american citizens are trying to persue the american dream too. My 17 year old has been trying to get a partime job to save for his college, he has applies at taco bell, subway, McDonald and many, many resturamts for bussing tables or even washing dishes. They won't hire him because instead they are hiring illegals. So for people to say mexicans have jobs that americans don'rt want is bologny....If you want to come to this wonderful country which it is... wait in line like my parents did.. do it legally.. Instead illegals keep coming in taking jobs and using our welfare system and that is the honest true weather you like it or not...
I agree with what Arizona is doing. If the goverment is not enforcing the current law then Arizona has the right to question the legality of their 'citizens'. The only people who should be worried are the ones that are here illegally.
if people are in our country are legal, God bless this was a land of opportunity, if they are illegal that is the problem. our border needs to be secure (or as secure as possible), without respect for the rule of law our future is not in question....it is set
End all immigration now.
Illegal immigrants have broken the laws of the United States. I spent years working to become a legal citizen of this great nation and I am saddened by the unwillingness to provide security on our borders.
Yellow stars? Berlin Wall? Here are some suggestions for the folks who think we are nazi's:
Repeal all immigration laws.
Make Mexico a state, Canada too.
Let everyone come in who wants to come in.
OK?????
It is plain that the federal government does not want to deal with thorny issues (immigration, social security, medicare) and woudl rather bury their head in the sand than take a stand and fix problems that may be unpopular. Arizona just got tired of waiting for the Federal Government to do their job and decided to do it for them. It is not a perfect law, but unlike the nonesense healthcare bill that does nothing to provide everyone with insurance, takes 4 years to kick-in, and was not actually a pressing issue for the majority of Americans, Illegal immigration is a crisis that needs to be solved immediately. I guarentee that while the law may not be ideal, Arizona will accomplish their goal. The Illegal immigrant population will drop, but unless the feds do something, it will only become a problem for California and Texas. Let's start with actually enforcing the laws we do have and try that for a change.
I am for the AZ law and I would love if all states carried through the same way. This country is being systematically broken down by all the illegals here, and the key word here is illegal!! They commit crimes, fill up our ER rooms, they get all kinds of government benefits while the middle class who are paying for all of it continue to struggle! I'm sick of it.. who's country is this anyway? We need to get rid of every single greedy crook in DC and start all over! We need a governement for the people by the people once again. We need to protect our beautiful country and its citizens against all invasions and that' includes illegals!
if you're not illegal what are you worried about?
Except the "native" whites and Europeans all other brown skinned people will be racially targeted by such laws.
I am a legal resident but now we will have to carry tons of immigration papers just to prove we are not illegals AND THIS IS NOT PRACTICAL OK.. We have legal DMV ID's, SSN but now they want all the immigration papers (originals ?? ).
Dont tell me the similar rules when ppl here visit there.. It's not comparable and the citizens here will never understand... how many documents we will have to carry on us – it's very very tough.
WHY DO NOT they RAID factories/anything where un-authorized / illegals work and book / arrest / send them back / fine the Employers than such impractical racist laws..
I think the AZ bill is less than perfect. However, the bill would not have been passed if congress had not failed in this area. One more example of Washington refusing to address real problems. Congress would rather play politics than lead this country. Think about the problems that have been ignored. Social Security, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Medicare, the deficit and national debt, and yes immigration. All of these problems remain unaddressed because both political parties focus on getting re-elected over leading the country. We need to vote them all out of office
Asking people to provide documentation is the slippery slope many of us fear. As a citizen, I don't have to carry id on the street (driver's license is just that, proof that you are licensed to perform a specific task). If I were Hispanic and a legal citizen, what are the chances I'd be asked to prove that? Probably cause? That's a direct violation of equal protection. I suspect that Arizona, TX and CA agri-business would cease to exist without cheap illegal labor. Who's going to want to pay $5 for a tomato? Either make it easier to be here legally, or expect economic consequences. This bill goes too far, and won't accomplish what needs to be done. I applaud anyone who wants to come here to work, improve their life, get ahead. We need more like that, and less knee-jerk fear-mongering.
How is illegal immigration a "national crisis"? How have you been affected? Besides alarmist 24 hour news channels telling you that you should be afraid of illegal immigration, what effect does illegal immigration have on you? Are you going to be washing those dishes or mowing those lawns?
Or could this possibly be another form of racism taking place? Maybe this is a nation scapegoating their ills on those who come here not to destroy but to partake of the American experience. It seems like more and more people are trying to make "American" and ethnicity. American doesn't equal white, and my basic issue with the Arizona laws is that the possibility for racism is there. Policymakers shouldn't lazily write laws that could possibly infringe on the rights of immigrants like me who have served their country as a Marine and continue to do so, just because some cop decides I look a little too Mexican.
Here's what I experience living in southern California: A young, pregnant Spanish speaking woman with 6 kids is in line ahead of me at the grocery store paying for a loaded grocery cart with welfare. Everyone at the gym is speaking Spanish. Every Mexican family that walks past my house is speaking Spanish. Groups of Spanish speaking adults come in my yard with shopping bags to steal peaches from my tree . A neighbor tells me of months spent sitting in court while a Mexican, who had already been deported once, is tried for the murder of her brother. No matter how well organizers have coached the protesters to behave, It's obvious that the goal is to make the United States part of Mexico. I just don't understand why they want to turn this country into Mexico, the very country they try so desparately to escape.
I'll be more interested in seeing what Arizona does when the courts overturn the law – that's when the real fireworks will go off!
It means we want our boarder protected. It is not about race. it is not about "good people who are just trying to make a living for their families." It is about our laws, national security and the fact that illegal immigrants and non-citizens from whatever country are not entitled to the benefits of this nation.
I live in Seatle and Routinely 10-20 mexicans are standing ont he corner of my block hoping to get day jobs from construction companies that exit Home depot. The kicker is they are standing in front of a police station.
If a group of white men or black men congregate in such a manner the police wold be all over them, but since its not PC to adress this situation in any manner in my state the police ignore this. My Gf is scared to walk by them and frankly im too mad to walk by them.
It makes ,me angry that a cop cannot walk out the door of the police station and resolve this but he can go and write Joe American a ticket for running a stop sign or havng expired tags on his car. I thought being a ilegal immigrant was you know "Illegal".
I think it sends the message that illegal immigration is a problem of high concern to most Americans and that they want something done about it ... even if it's the WRONG thing!
I think the law "goes too far" but II don't think AZ is wrong for wanting to address the problem of illegal immigration in their state. If the Feds won't do it then I guess the individual states will have to. And I hope more of them do.
The majority of Americans disapprove of ILLEGAL immigration and the failure of the federal government in this area. ILLEGAL immigration is not fair to anyone. The legal hispanics get a bad name. The ILLEGAL immigrants are given low wages and are set up for abuse. The American taxpayers are paying billions. Arizona is only trying to enforce the federal law. If that is discrimination, let's protest Washington. Otherwise, let's actually enforce the law for once!
The often times silent majority is sick and tired of the Fed not doing it's job, so the states must act to protect themselves. Securing the border and documenting citizens is not only vital to our security, but plain common sense.
Does anyone know how many illegals enter here from the coasts? Or from Canada?
According to the Arizona law anyone could be stopped which means everyone must be stopped. Therein lies the flaw in their legislation. It is unconstitutional. One thing I've always loved about this country is here I do not have to produce ID to just walk down the street or even if I'm not wearing clean and proper clothes. Having lived over seas I understand the difference – I wish you did Jack.
All wrong. Dismantle the border and let people move
freely in both directions. Europe did this with the
East Block in 1989+, and it led to arguably the most
positive development worldwide in the last 50 years.
US and Mexico should aim to merge into a borderless
union – anything else is backwards.
And while everyone is looking south countless Brits, Eastern Europeans, Irish, German and other nationals come flowing in and are here just as illegally. I will not carry papers on me as if I'm living in a police state. And I's sick and tired of the same flaunted myths about job loss and welfare abuse. States run short on cash because they don't enforce the tax laws that they have and so many patriotic American cheat on their taxes and pull the common scam of not registering their cars when they move to a state that has property taxes on them. I see this every day when I'm on the road.
I think that those who think this legislation is "about right" have applied legitamate critical thinking and clarity. The bill authorizes police to investigate legal status only when the person in question is in contact with the officer for some other infraction. So the only "victims" of this law are those who are caught breaking laws already on the books. Seems pretty reasonable to me.
I am strongly opposed to the Arizona law because I believe it requires racial profiling, it usurps Federal powers, creates enforcement confusion for police, and is basically wrong-headed as it has been passed as an election PR tactic that is based on lies and innuendo (like the claims that an illegal immigrant was behind the murder of the rancher in AZ or that illegal immigrants commit more crime than US-born individuals). Your poll is asking Americans to respond to how the media is covering this story, not to facts like: crime rates are in fact lower in communities with a high number of undocumented immigrants and undocumented immigrants are LESS likely to commit crimes. I am all for creating a sane comprehensive immigration reform bill that will allow us to identify who is living in our country. We should fine people who came in the wrong way and create a path to legal status for those community members who qualify. That is the only way we are going to be able to enable deportation of the small % of criminals and potential terrorists who are hiding among what is mostly a law-abiding, hard working community who enhances our country. Stop the ignorant hate mongering and start thinking intelligently about how to solve a very complex problem.
My grandfather obtained his U.S. citizenship in the early 1900s ...legally. My business partner is Latina and her grandparents obtained their U.S. citizenships about the same time ...legally. My wife and her son were born overseas but obtained their U.S. citizenships a century later ...legally. They all agree that the Arizona action is not anti-immigrant or anti-latino ...the issues at question are legitimacy and sovereignty. The core problem is that we must put an end to uncontrolled, unchecked, unchallenged, ILLEGAL activity.
People read the law! Some say it is un-constitutional. The majority of it is already federal law. Fact check what the mainstream media says. This is one of the reasons this country is in the shape it is. People get off your butts and dig up the information for yourselfs. The media and the goverment are in the same bed. Go find the truth if you really want to know it.