What if Arizona's new law causing illegal immigrants to leave the state?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
It's already working.
Arizona's tough new immigration law doesn't even go into effect for another seven weeks, but lots of the state's 460,000 illegal aliens are leaving now.
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USA Today reports that records from schools, businesses and individuals suggest that many worried legal and illegal Latinos are fleeing Arizona.
Schools in Latino neighborhoods show big drops in enrollment.
In one elementary school, 70 kids have been pulled out by their parents in just the last month... that's compared to seven students who left the school in the same period last year.
The superintendent says "they're leaving to another state where they feel more welcome."
That was pretty much the point of the Arizona law, wasn't it?
The new law requires police to ask for immigration papers if someone is stopped for another crime - you know, just like police ask for your driver's license when you're stopped for a traffic violation.
Businesses that serve primarily Latino areas say things are much slower.
The head of a chamber of commerce for Hispanic business owners says it's because illegal immigrants are holding onto cash as they prepare to leave the state.
Other small business owners say they will have to move elsewhere because business is "completely dead."
Governor Jan Brewer's office says it's hard to know how many people are leaving because of the law; but she says "if that means that fewer people are breaking the law, that is absolutely an accomplishment."
In 2007, when Arizona passed another law that imposed tougher penalties on businesses that hired illegal aliens - about 100,000 of them left the state.
Here’s my question to you: What's the message if Arizona's new immigration law is causing illegal immigrants to leave the state?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Andrew in Arizona writes:
I am a business owner in Phoenix. I can tell you first-hand Mexicans are leaving the state by the thousands. My business is passport photos and business is up about 300% from this time last year. I talk to these people and they are going to other states in the U.S. and a few are going back to Mexico. Most of the people that are moving have children. They are in fear that they could be separated. I personally am heartbroken by this exodus. This bill is racist and it will hurt Arizona's economy more than it will help, it already has.
Thomas in Arizona writes:
As a resident of Sedona, I hope this law will stop the illegal aliens from stealing our jobs, our schools, our identities, and our property. Let them take their guns and drug deals to their own countries.
Kevin in Dallas writes:
It sends the message that they've found a way to skin a cat. But as you know, there's more than one way to skin a cat. We should keep searching for a more ethical means to an end. But Arizona had to do something to buy themselves some time. Something like 6-7% of the people in Arizona are illegal immigrants.
Rick in Detroit writes:
The illegals probably can't find a job. Many legal residents of Michigan are leaving the state for the same reason.
Hafeez in New York writes:
Jack, The message is: Americans prepare to get up from your lazy butts and start working at the gas stations, pumping gas when it's -20 degree outside, working in car washes in frigid weather, food delivery seven days a week with minimum wages, no health insurance and forget about holidays. Boy, this will be fun.
Carl writes:
Jack, Jan Brewer should run for president, then I feel like tough things would get done and the great sheriff Joe could be the vice president. What a team they would make, the A-Team.
Lene in Illinois writes:
The message is that if you intend to enforce the law, the law will actually work...what a concept!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
The messege is:"Pick your own crops, Gringo."
In reality this segment of the workforce has always been mobile, and willing to go where ever the work is. In this instance they may have to move to China. Because, that's where their jobs went. As for the law: what makes you think they care about this law, when they didn't care about the former law. The messege is:"We will go where we can get jobs, regardless of the law."
HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When are the other 49 states getting on the band wagon?
I understand why these immigrants are in the US, but everyone seems to forget or deny the fact that these people are in the US illegally. Last I knew, the word 'illegal' meant you had broken the law. When you break the law, you must pay the penalty. Congress has the ability to change the law, but until that happens, we cannot just ignore the law.
The message is: through our ignorance we keep repeating history.
When in history were a race of people categorized within a country and the propaganda was "about 100,000 of THEM", law breakers, criminals, have to have special papers because of ethnicity or you will be prosecuted and persecuted, dirty, lazy, and other words to condemn one race by another race?
In the 1930's in Germany it was the government who initiated the propaganda, racism, and hate, in the good old U.S. of A today it is the America people who are beginning this witch hunt.
Shame on us.
Jack
Arizona will become the message in a bottle. Because Arizona took control of the situation we will now have the truth on what uncontrolled free ranging criminal immigration has on our standard of living.
Its a shame half of the Country was used for bailouts of Wall Street and the other hailf forced to bankruptcy. Then we would understand the benefits of Free Market Capitalism impeded by Bush.
Well they have to go through New Mexico to get to Texas or back through Mexico itself.....too bad we don't have a Governor nor a legislature here in Texas that has the you know what that Gov. Brewer and the Arizona leislature has.........our group could care less about legal hard working Texans but run scared from the politically correct crowd when it comes to illegal immigrants, who are no more than criminals who have broken the laws of the United States.
.... and the problem is...?
Jack, you mean, the law is actually having it's desired effect? Then the message is threeold; 1. Those who prefer to hire illegals as a means of cutting costs need to be prepared to come to the table as a legitimate business; 2. Those who thought the illegals would eventually become a voting block and support the Democratic party need to try earning votes the hard way, by doing the job they were elected to do and; 3. those Americans who have been living on unemployment benefits until they could find a nice six-figure job with a corner office need to lower their sites. I believe a lot of employers that fit category 1. will be hiring pretty soon.
Well, I hope they don't come to Colorado – we can afford them.
The message is that all states need to adopt the same laws. I can tell it's working there cause more illegal immigrants are moving here. We already have enough competition for the few jobs that are available.
The message is, the Americans that use them to do the dirty work for cheap will now have to find someone else to do it or pay someone top dollar to do it.
I think their presence will be missed.This law was a slap in the face to all Hispanics, legal or not. No matter what they say, police will definitely be using racial profiling. Hispanics will be targets. I don't blame them for leaving and I hope gringos are prepared to do all the jobs that will open up for them. Then maybe they will have a new appreciation for the ones who leave.
i feel that this law is very unconstitutional and unfair yes they maybe here in this country illegally, thus that is no diffrence when black americans were brougth over to this country as slaves, this counrty preaches democracy but we condem those who may leave another country for different reasons who are we as americans to pass laws to state that police and public officials have ther right if necessary to ask a person of thier identity. That is unamerican and unfair to anyone. the Constitution of the United States of America still claims me as to be a person that is only three-fifths human.
Living in Arizona, I should included that I realize first hand how serious the illegal immigration situation is, in Arizona and Nationally. Our state is essentially bankrupt and has very limited resources. This is a fact. How we got here is another story, and has less to do illegal immigration than lack of Federal Financial Regulation and governmental short sightedness at the local level. Certainly, however illegal immigration has a cost as well.
And I agree that action needs to be taken, and soon. Strengthen the borders, absolutely. Enforce and severely penalize employers that hire undocumented workers, yes. Card everyone that shares the same skin tone, no, no, no. That is not the America I grew up in, not the America my father and grandfather risked their lives for in the military for, and not the America I want my children to inherit.
Writing laws to deliberately chase away persons of a specific race, culture, or religion and then cheering as they leave, hearkens back to the darkest moments of our history, Internment camps, Jim Crow laws, and in Arizona re-painting the faces of brown skinned children on a mural attached to the very elementary school mural they attend.
C'mon, we're better than this.
What's the message if Arizona's new immigration law is causing illegal immigrants to leave the state?
The message is that it WORKS..and that all states should take the same law on so that they don't all go there>>
The message is that efforts to deal with illegal immigration work if we have the courage to implement them. At last count, 18 other states are looking at similar legislation. Eventually, illegal immigrants won't "feel welcome" anywhere, and they will start to return home in large numbers. There is no reason to tolerate the presence of millions of illegal immigrants in this country. We need national politicians that will actually do their jobs and enforce the laws instead of criticizing the states.
The message is simle. If you are neither a citizen of the US and a legal inmigrant in the process of seeking legal citizenship, Do not come here!
I agree with the State of Arizona action. It is a shame that again, the Federal Government Executive and Legislative branches failed to address effectively this issue. The federal govenment's duty is to secure the nation borders showed lack of compromise to all the US citizensin Arizona and all other states with the same issue.
The State of Arizona decided to act due to the federal govenrment failure to act, It is simple as that. When our government will uphold the law and grant our constitutional right to pursue happiness?
Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
Jack are they heading back south or to?
Maybe if the rest of states adopt a law such as this they'll all leave and the lazy americans who cannot collect welfare anymore will go back to work, the businesses who employed the illegals will go broke, and the legitimate businesses will flourish. This could be a win win situation for america (lets hope)!
It makes me hope the Governor has a lot of grand kids to harvest lettuce because "somebodies" are going to have too. And all those senior 's living down there are to old to cut lettuce.
eventually this was going to happen. only time will see how this plays out. there are positive and negative things in this new law. most americans see good coming out of this. as a hispanic american, maybe jobs will open up for legal citizens but there will always be a need for someone to do the dirty and menial jobs and a lot of our citizens will not go to the fields to pick crops and the growers dont want them there. why not have a legal organized bracero program like reagean had and as soon as the season is over they can return without fear to come again. give them reasonable wages , decent housing etc and see how this works .gov. brewer is correct, crime will go down and in our city crime is rampant because our jails are full of marijuana smokers that do no harm to the general public. legalize pot and reap the benefits of the taxes paid and the drug flow from abroad will be curtailled
The message to California is clear ... "here ya go".
Jack,
Is that 2007 law that imposes tougher penalties on businesses that hire illegal aliens the one that the Obama administration is now trying to get overturned in court?
Joe Hanson
Minneapolis, MN
What a surprise! Arizona is reducing illegal aliens BY ENFORCING THE LAW, imagine that! Mike, Southampton, NY
There's more than one message. One: the illegals are getting the message. Two: neighboring US states aren't because they haven't passed anything similar. Three: the FEDS aren't because the illegals are leaving Arizona. They aren't leaving the country.
Arizona may be losing some illegals, but the sad thing is that some more states are getting more. California's budget can't take anymore hits, but since they take to illegals more kindly, they are probably getting the lion's share. The tax payers of California may revolt when they see higher and higher taxes in order to keep the government afloat. They may decide Arizona's law is what is needed in their state.
The message is that the other 49 states will soon have a lot more illegal immigrants! Until the Federal Government ,(I use that term loosely), decides to take drastic action and enforce the laws that we already have, or until severe penalties are given to employers of illegal immigrants, nothing else will change!!
Arizona has done what our gutless government has ignored far too long -securing the border. I hope the illegals leaving Arizona are moving to east coast states where "bleeding heart liberal Democrats" are ready to foot the bills for the additional expense to provide for medical care and schools for their children.
Al Brown
Gorham, NH
Jack, The message is; There is no place in Arizona for people who want to come here, have your children. Anchor them into our system of public school,housing, and other social programs. Apply for work and talk your language to others in power to hire you and work for employers for barley enough to survive. What a State(Country). To the "bad guys and drug lords, run, run fast and don't stay in this state because when we find you, you will be deported. Somthing needs to be done at tthe border not through out our state. But hey $10 lettuce is right around the corner. Enjoy!
The message is that there will be no more winking at lawbreakers, no more policies that treat illegal aliens as though they have a special right to violate the law and harm US citizens and their children with impunity, that the state of Arizona embraces the rule of law, not the third world status quo of corruption.
It means it's working Jack - simple as that. Living here I now ask any Mexican wanting to do my yard work or trim my palm trees if he's here legally, has a Green Card and is insured against injury. Their eyes glaze over and they simply turn around and walk away. I now do business only with reputable firms and, as more of us do the same in support of our new law, Arizona's hispanc population will be whittled down to those who are here legally. After all, that's the whole idea.
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona
At the rate Arizona is going, only Native Americans will be there in a few years and they will not need papers. The land was their land anyway before the white man stole it.
Its discriminatory, I wouldn't want to live somewhere I would be discriminated either. Its going to hurt the state economically. For example, these immigrants filled up houses and payed rent to live there. With empty houses that means the owners are losing money, and they too are being hurt even more by the financial crisis.
I'd say the message is that Arizona is not a good place for illegal immigrants to want to make their new home.
The message is that Arizona means business. Illegal is illegal, no matter where. But I bet they aren't flocking to Vermont or Minnesota or Kansas! I say since they've caused such a mess in this country, ship 'em to the Gulf to clean up that mess, then ship 'em back where they came from. Done deal.
The message is clear. U.S. citizens do not like the fact that "illegal" and I stress "ilegal" aliens are swarming into our nation like killer bees. Illegals place a strain on the human services systems of every state, especially the boarder states. Illegals work for lower wages, that are not taxed, a double blow to our economy. Illegals need to be treated like refugees, but with the Mexican Government doing everything it can to facilitate illegal immigration it makes it hard for American tax payers to feel sympathy for the human tragedy that plays out daily along the US/Mexican boarder.
It simply means that other border states (at the very least) (i.e., Texas, New Mexico, and California) need to follow Arizona's lead to pass the same laws as them. Apparently (as AZ's governors says) the laws are working!!! The illegals are getting the message. The U.S. doesn't want criminals (i.e, those who break OUR laws) here and won't tolerate it any longer. Like the song gose, "We're not gonna take it!"
To steal a line from GW Bush, "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED".
I am a business owner in Phoenix. I can tell you first hand Mexicans are leaving the state by the thousands. My business is passport photos and business is up about 300% from this time last year. I talk to these people and they are going to other states in the US and a few are going back to Mexico. Most of the people that are moving have children. They are in fear that they could be separated. I personally am heartbroken by this exodus. This bill SB 1070 is raciest and it will hurt Arizona's economy more than it will help, it already has.
As long as they don't come to Michigan, Jack... but I hope they are going home. I'm sick of the welfare state we give these illegal non-citizens. Let Mexico take care of their own!
the message is that if all 50 states passed the same law, our illegal immigation problem would be solved. (Pennsylvania)
If Mexico had a decen economy, say like Canada, there would be no problem. Legalize marijuana. Get the criminals involved in the business to be legitimate businessmen and pay taxes like the rest of us. Violence and crime would drop like a lead baloon–and that's a good thing.
The message is that Arizona has messed up. Their grants for education from the federal government will go down in value. This means that everything that is calculated by the numbers will hurt Arizona financially
I guess EFFECTIVE LAW!!!!!!!!!!!!
All states should do the same!
That means the law is working. And don't forget this law is working before it actually is one. If that isn't an effective law then I don't know what is.
What's the message if Arizona's new immigration law is causing illegal immigrants to leave the state?
The message should be to other 49 states that they can and should pass similar laws, forcing the illegal immigrants to go back to where they came from. It is time for the "Illegal" invasion in the United States of American to be controlled. The message.. now is the time for the other states to act.
Don't be so sure those described as legal immigrants are really legal. Most illegals have fake papers. Now they can be found so they're leaving. Too bad they are scattering towards other states, instead of Mexico.
Alex
San Diego, CA
Jack that's hardly a smart question considering we already know they are not going back to Mexico. They are just simple spreading to neighboring states duh
It means that it is working. Illegal is illegal. I would like to know when we can pass something like this in Kentucky?
The message is that the law is working!! Simple as that.
Seems obvious to me. Arizona has finally gotten somebody to respect the Law. Something the White House has been unable to do. Go figure.
It means the law is working.
great there leaving ! oh but where will they go ?jus some other state with lax laws .
Sounds to me like this law is working already.. Here ya go California enjoy the wonderful addition to your already almost lawless, reckless state!
Thank God. Now if only the U.S. federal government could be brave enough to do the same thing. When did being a hard worker allow people to break the law?
This should tell Congress and the President something! Now if the other 49 states did the same the ILLEGAL ALIEN problem would be solved no thanks to our Federal Goverment. Press nothing for english.
hasta luego illegals. No ID , no viva aqui.
Jack this one is a NO BRAINER. Either get the national government to adopt the AZ law or pass it in each and every state. The net result is that we won't have to worry about exporting that many people, they will simply go home on their own accord!!!!!!
That means it is working, if all states would do it all the illegal aliens would migrate somewhere else.
The message is "watch out caucasians". Now that they won't be able to blame crime or a bad economy on Mexicans, they'll be coming after you.
Jack, I thing it means it's working. This is really a no brainer, if you want to migrate to this country, fine, then do it legally and go through the immigration process. Just don't break into our country demanding rights, amnesty and protesting by pulling your foreign flag and your race card calling for boycotts and revolutions all while your draining our resources and burdening every legal taxpaying citizen.
The message is that with the embargo's and the money saved from well fair and schools and food stamps they should break a profit .
The message is simple, 49 other states need to adopt the same law without delay.
Peace
It means that people who are breaking the law are doing so knowingly, and will go wherever they think they can get away with it. If every state would simply enforce the immigrations laws already on the books, we wouldn't have an illegal immigration problem.
SHOCKING! I think the confusing part is that it appears as thought the law is working. I am only 24 and I have never heard of a law that enforces the regulations we all know exist. Perhaps we need more laws like that. Illegals must be going somewhere.
First off i live in phoenix, Arizona and my area is surronded by illegal immigrants, If they leave let them, They are here illegally anyways let them go back to mexico and come to the usa legally not illegally, Im tired of seeing every homedepot full of illegal workers begging for work
We do understand that the law doesn't say you can racially profile the issue is that racial profiling is already going on in AZ there are documents from the sheriffs office to prove that. Now with this law the Sheriff has protection to do it. Protection to break the law and violate human rights.
Jack, It means that my home state of Arizona might be able to get out of the red! We are spending money that we don't even have to pay for services that are used by people that are breaking the law! Its too bad we dont have a federal law like this, it might actaly stem the flow of ilegal immegrants.
The message is that.... the law is working. Its intended purpose is to get rid of illegal aliens and it seems to be doing its job. If they are here illegally they need to leave. There is no grey area. I'm also fed up with everyone that is so concerned for them. I don't know what people don't understand about the law. They are called illegal aliens for a reason.
The message is that when laws are enforced, law-breakers skedaddle. Arizona schools and healthcare can barely afford to provide the extra services illegals require, so this migration of illegals will save the state a considerable amount of money. The law is working.
I hope Federal Census officials in Arizona take note of this mass exodus of their population before finalizing any of the statistics that will determine Arizona's congressional representation, not to mention the Federal dollars that the an accurate census ensures.
It means that the law is doing the intended job – getting 'rid' of the illegals. I hope Nevada passes a similar law because I fear they are coming here – and we have enough already! The country is watching what happens to Arizona with bated breath to see the outcome – and I suspect it will be more positive than negative. Go Arizona!
You misread the facts. Latinos are leaving Arizona. Since most Arizona Latinos are not immigrants and most immigrants are not in the country illegally, jumping to the conclusion that immigrants in U.S. illegally are leaving (mostly for more welcoming states) kinda proves what is wrong with the Arizona law. The immigration problem is bigger than Arizona and bigger than the border and requires a federal response.
It means that the new law is doing exactly what it was meant to do, and should be replicated in states facing similar situations. Key word being: "Illegal." Any law that persuades a criminal to depart your state must be viewed as positive.
Jack,
The Goevrnment spends alot of money to cater ofr these people at the expence of other services like roads etc. Its very stupid for states to cut jobs while maintaining full benefits for these people . Many peolple in this country dont work , but only liev at the expence of others. Thats unacceptable!!!
Maybe now Jessie Jackson can fly in and march for the LEGAL residents who did support his community for equal rights....
The Gay Community!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jack the message is to anyone regardless of their country of origin...If you want to come to our country, then follow the law and do it legally. I am sick and tired of subsidizing a nation of lawbreakers who think they have the God given right to invade my country and steal our resources. Follow the law or leave!!!
Jack,
The message is that, IT'S ABOUT TIME! The problem is that their not going back to Mexico. They will just go to another state until that state has to do something. These Illegals are looking for a free ride when it comes to government benefits which they are not entitled to, so they will just carpetbag until they find another free ride.
Brent from Idaho
P.S. Jack No people that have entered this country have demanded more and contributed less than those coming from Mexico.
Martina Waterford, Michigan
The message is that Arizona has messed up. Their grants for education from the federal government will go down in value. This means that everything, all programs, that are calculated by the numbers will hurt Arizona financially. On the other hand you can say that there will be more money for the students that are left but that will not happen. Schools will close and combine and parents will be upset that their children will be moved.
It is not causing JUST illegial immigrants to leave Arizona; it is causing legals to leave as well. They don't want to live in that environment. As for me – I often vacation in AZ – but I am not going back. It's my own personal boycott and I am not hispanic.
What's the message? Simply, obey the law. If you want to be here, great, but do it the legal and proper way, as millions of other legal immigrants in this country have. Have some respect for our country and laws.
It means all apartment complexes and real estate property managers should be sent a letter notifying them that renting any property to illiegal immagrants is illegal. Or is it?
Jack,
I hope Arizona goes bankrupt.. But in this economy, can they really afford it? Can the USA afford it? It's not fair to the business owners who have to put up with their state government's stupidity. I'm a bilingual teacher and I know that enrollment affects teacher jobs. Many teachers are going to lose their jobs. It's not fair to them and the children. Many of them are US citizens with illegal parents. Arizona did not measure all the consequences of this act of stupidity!
Jack, it means bad news for us in Texas where Gov. Perry is keeping the welcome mat and the taxpayer checkbook out for illegal immigrants. When will the rest of us wake up?
It only means the problem is migrating to another state in this country. This truly needs to be addressed at a federal level. Take note DC!
It means that legal immigrants are being driven from the state, just like the illegal ones, which was a fear of most people outside of Arizona when this law first came to light. Shame on you for glossing over this fact in your report. I am also deeply disturbed by the "ends justifies the means" nature of this law, and how easily it has been accepted, at least by the people of Arizona.
It is obvious... if the US would pass this law they would be leaving the country.
I am a "law abiding" citizen who obeys ALL laws, not just the ones I like or agree with. If someone wants to come to MY country, do it the right way.
I think the liberals in the U.S.A. have severely hurt this country. Tolerance of illegal immigration is just one of the many examples of this.
Aristotle said it best: "Tolerance and apathy are the last virtues of a dying society."
Alan Dial
Tucson, Arizona
The message is obvious. Other states should pass a law like Arizona's if they want to get their economy back on track. I wish my state would pass a similar law, but since my governor is a Democrat, that ain't gonna happen.
Jack,
It's really simple. It's so simple...our elected officials cannot defy it's sublimity. And here it is...the message is.............it works.
Its false that the legal latin people are leaving Az
We do are not afraid of the law, we embrace it
The illegal advocates wants to make others to believe that
legal residents are against the new law.
That is a falsity
Good for Arizona!!!! The only bad thing here in Dallas TX is we got all the refugees from Katrina who never left, now all the illegals from Arizona... GREAT lets just pray they all intermarry and their kids will be to lazy to steal.
You ask, "where are they going", not too much imagination required. The illegals will travel to the states surrounding Arizona. So get ready for more state initiated immigration laws.
What are we going to do with the impact this is going to have on states without protection? Our infrastructures are so stressed and broke we can not support the legal aspects.
Good riddance! Go to Los Angeles. Apparently you are wanted there. Contribute more to the financial problems of that state. Better yet, go home. You are illegal!! The United States of America does not have to play wet nurse to every person in the world. The people of the United States are not responsible for you. You are responsible for you, for making an honest living, paying your fair share of taxes, for not being a drain on the economies of the states, hospitals, schools, etc. and for doing what is right, what is legal.
So What? Maybee a reasonable portion will actually moove back home to their own country. Good for Arizona.
What's the message? That law is working even before it went into effect. Now if only other states adopted similar law, illegals would be heading back to Mexico, instead of farther North into the US.
The message is that if we're afraid of an immigrant, ethnic or religious group, either because we believe they're bringing crime to our area or taking our jobs, all we have to do is craft some type of legislation that will targets that group's civil liberties and they'll eventually go away. Make no mistake, this is ethnic cleansing that, in our current climate of fear and anxiety, could easily gain ground in other states.
Arizona should be more cautious about their pride in the recent migration away from their state by Latinos. Who's next? Muslims? African Americans? How long before we begin to repeat the mistakes of Nazi Germany?
The message is "We want absolutely NO 'illegal' activity in our state." Allowing them to stay is an insult and punishment to millions, like my wife, who immigrated legally and went through the process. I'm just waiting for other states that were attacking Arizona for the law to suggest legislation of their own. Those 500,000 people have to go somewhere.
It sounds like it's doing what they hoped it would do. The only trouble with that is that i live in Las Vegas. I guess Nevada needs to pass a similar law. Although we know that won't happen here, the casinos might have to pay their employees a real living wage then !! Money talks and you know what walks. You just can't win Jack !!
It means the law is doing exactly what it is designed to. The message is if you are within the state, look out. As far as the exodus to other states goes, when the increase of illegals start affecting the others states quality of life.......increased crime, drain on social based services, etc. maybe these other states may consider similar laws of their own to quell the tide.
It's WORKING....Now the rest of the country should WAKE UP and pass this law!!!
If Arrizona's new law is causing illegal immigrants to leave the state it means that enforcing our current immigration laws and mandating all employers use e-verify to ensure workers are here legally would drastically cut down, if not stop, illegal immigration. It is common sense and would not require deportation but would result in illegal immigrants making their own decision to leave.
It means "THE LAW IS WORKING," Jack!!!!!! Now if Arizona would SEVERELY PROSECUTE EMPLOYERS along with the "status check" Arizona would CUT it's ILLEGAL ALIEN population by 98%.
iT also MEANS THAT ALL 50 OTHER STATES OUGHT TO ENACT THIS LAW ""VERBATUM." Then we would NOT have an immigration debate, we would NOT have to write new laws, we would NOT have a security problem on our bordgers. WHAT PART OF "ILLEGAL" do the opposition to this law don't these people understand??????
It demonstrates that illegal immigrants there are beginning to sense that they may actually be caught by law enforcement. What a novel new concept.
Jack,
It means that the law Arizona passed is in fact working! Quick! Notify the highway patrol so they can make sure they are all heading South back to Mexico instead of to other states where they are not wanted.
Jack I noticed you mentioned that not only illegal, but LEGAL immigrants are leaving the state. Arizona has an illegal immigration problem, not a LEGAL immigration problem. It's obvious that illegal immigrants are getting the message and are leaving, but it seems that the LEGAL immigrants feel unwelcomed as well. ALL latinos for that matter... Yes we have an immigration problem but this law is not the way to go. Here's a better question: How much money is the state losing now that Latinos are leaving?
It means that the hispanic population in L.A will rise by another one million people.
the law is what is but come july 1 arizona will lose alot of a busniess and take thier companies with them as far as thoes leagal and those who are not will do the same and go to other states then there will be no one to fill other jobs
Probably Arizona will reduce the number if illegal immigrants in Arizona. Even if the law is overturned, it may well see a decrease. What will be interesting is to see what that does to the economy and to crime (especially drug trafficking). It is entirely possible that Arizona won't be happy with the result.
Jim, Craig, CO
Jack:
The message is the other states better get on board, or they will be overrun with former illegal residents of Arizona. Illegals have virtually taken over the blue collar and entry level jobs in Atlanta's suburbs. If many of the states had the huge illegal presence that the suburbs of Atlanta have, they would be in full support of Arizona's law. Well over 70% of workers in restaurants, landscaping, construction, road work , etc. are illegals. Ten years ago all of these workers were black and white English speaking, tax paying American citizens. Unless a space ship landed and carried them away, they are now unemployed.
Boy wouldn't that be aweful if lawbreakers left the state of AZ!!! We Americans have completely lost our minds. Aren't those Americans who wandered into Iran still in captivity? And people are arguing about an immigration law that simply gives cops the right to ask about citizenship.
If the ILLEGAL immigrants leave AZ, no problem. Less crime, smaller waits in emergency rooms, less need for bilingual ATMs and the like.
Wait a minute, we might be on to a new cost saving idea. And with so many states upside down financially, this is long overdue.
H'mmm If the Law works, don't fix it!
Now maybe Califonia, Texas, and New Mexico will figure it out!
The message is that the law works. Every state should say screw the fed and the congress and adopt the same legislation. In a post 9/11 world I cant belive to this day that the last useless administration and whats amounting to be the same with the courant one I helped elect into office hasent addressed and dealt with this issue already in exactly the same fasion.
Political corectness and greed coupled with the fear that one wont be reelected has helped to screw our economy,pose a real national security challange slash threat,not to mention the civil war over drugs at our border that has by and large been spncored by previous adminstrations. All in All ...papers please!
Way to go Arizona.
George,chester,ct.
Jack,
It's really simple. It's so simple...our elected officials cannot defy it's sublimity. And here it is...the message is.......it works.
Let's hope the other border states adopt the same law.
It's working! But more illegals will take their place, and even if they go to another state, they will run the good chance they won't be welcome there either(except CA, where there are sanctuary cities)
We here in NV don't need anymore illegals here either, so don't bother to come here... There's not enough work even for the residents already and can't handle anymore illegals trying to get hired.
I think Americans should stop refering to illegal immigrants as criminals, the only reason they come over here is to have a better life.
I wonder how many of those leaving are actually illegal and how many legal immigrants are leaving because they are rightfully afraid of being profiled? If you can answer this, Jack, I would then be able to tell you what I think this racially motivated 'law' is saying.
Jacksonville, Florida
Its means that the Federal government should pass a law delegating the right to check immigration status to all states. If the federal government passed a law like this then instead of the illegals moving to another state, they would be forced to go back home and it would curtail future illegal immigration across our borders. Washington WAKE UP!!! If you want to reduce the deficit, enforce immigration.
good for az,if the ill aliens leave then go to other states maybe those states will get it, that we cant afford it we need us cit. only here who pay taxes and help to inpove our country not theres by sending money home ....and 10 of them living in a 1 bedroom apt.
The law is working. It will lower public education, law enforcement , education and welfare expenses. The outcome may be contrary to Washington policy, but is legal.
Jack,
It tells me that, if we adopt and enforce the law nationwide then perhaps they will leave and go back to where they came from.
Peter
The business owners who are being impacted by the Exodus from Arizona, they should follow the illegals to those states where they set up their next home.
Lorna, Oregon
I am 48 yr old father of 2, professional business man (we import/export steel). My great grandfather came to the USA from Germany in the lat 1800's. He built a farm in North Dakota and raised 6 kids. One of the sons in my grandfather. He farmed made an OK living, raised 9 kids with his wife. My dad became a Dentist and he and his wife raised 7 kids. With my wife I am raising 2 kids. We are all US citizens.
This country is built by people who follow the rules. That is the basis of this country (we follow rules).
If the illegal aliens are not comfortable with the Arizona law, then the answer is simple – go back to Mexico. If you do not like the place where you are living, then change. STOP blaming someone else....
Thanks
Tom
Arizona will balance it's budget first.
That's easy, Jack! It means that if we had Arizona's law throughout the U.S., we WOULDN'T HAVE THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT PROBLEM and we wouldn't have to worry about the cost of deporting them!!!
Easy. Have EVERY state adopt the same policy. Stop illegal immigrants from stealing our jobs, our social and medical services and never paying their due taxes. The number leaving Arizona is a strong demonstration of how many illegal immigrants we have here. When are the businessmen/women going to jailed for their use of illegals? I'm a strong democractic liberal but I cannot condone those soft sobbing bleeding hearts who do not accept that the word illegal means ILLEGAL. Period. Check their green card or other authorized identification for their presence. Don't have it? Get'em on a bus and get'em gone.
Don Bryan
MSgt U.S. Marine Corps (retired)
She made the right decision for her State. If all State officials cared as much as she does, our economy would be in much better shape and cleaner. I have lived in nine States and traveled up to 83 miles to go to work each day. I've worked up to 84 hour weeks and still lost my job last year, but the illegals who I know were working on my construction sites are still working and sending their income back to their families in their own country. What is wrong with this picture?
Charlie T.
Yes it is causing illegals to leave the state but its not the criminals. Its the people that do jobs that most Americans do not want like working at car washes, washing dishes at restaurants or mainly landscapers working in this 100 degree heat. Its like having the gun law here passed without having to have a permit because Russell Pearce(yes it is the same man who brought about SB1070-immigration law) feels the price of freedom shouldn't come at any cost.
Jack it means it works. Call me naive, but if the feds enforced the exact same laws, it might just work also. Then maybe we can come up with a fair system that helps those who want to come work here and quit rewatding those who are just to take advantage of our system.
Obviously the message is that illegal immigrants aren't stupid. But the bigger question is what impact this diaspora will have on the economy of AZ. Those illegal workers didn't show up because they weren't getting jobs. A year from now you'll probably see farmers and businesses screaming to let more "guest workers" into the state. This merry-go-round has been going on for decades. Bring 'em in, kick 'em out, bring 'em in, kick 'em out...
It means the bigwigs are getting their way, except for the business that hires them.. Maybe they should run them out too since they are the ones that are wrong.
Now Brewer and the other goody-two-shoes won't have to rub elbos with the hispanics and their children. Who is going to do their dirty work though??
I think Arizona has been so unfair to the Hispanics, they are Gods people too.
What's the message? Simply, obey the law. If you want to be here, great, but do it the legal and proper way, as millions of other legal immigrants in this country have. Respect the laws of this country.
Antonia Vandermark
Tucson, AZ
People from AZ want all of the cheap services that cheap illegal immigrants provide. You will see a change but it may not be a bad one. I think the biggest benefit to Arizona is businesses will be they will hopefully be more likely to pay a fair wage to legal Arizonans who do want the work when the illegals leave. When I re-enter the country I am asked for proof I am a citizen, when I am pulled over I have to provide a license. Why anyone would be offended they are asked to provide the same is a bit baffling to me.
Hey Jack everytime I have been pulled over for something as stupid as a tail light or turn signal light out it is just a reason to check for warrents on everybody in the truck and check everybody out I dont see the problem with checking for that too. If they can up and move from Arizona to another state that easy we need to have state to state border checks for it too. If they are Illegal its just that BREAKING THE LAW IS BREAKING THE LAW. Bye bye go home and migrate here the legal way or stay out.
Now that the exodus has begun, surrounding States need to brace for the impact on our schools and social services. We should pass laws such as making it illegal to sell gasoline to unlicensed drivers and to provide P.I.N. numbers to the States valid licensed drivers to prevent I.D. theft. Remember, Driving on our roads is a privilege not a right.
Isn't Ironic that the Mexican government sends troops to the border after one of their drug smugling kids get killed? Why weren't they there to keep their own on their side to begin with?
Hi Jack.
They are leaving? Well then I think the other 49 states should pass
the same laws. We could all use the BILLIONS of dollars this
would save the American tax payers!! What would congress do
with the over 350 Billion dollars though that is another problem
Debbie
Stroudsburg, Pa. Is the new immigration law working? Obviously. It is also obvious that a motivated state legislature is far more effective than Emperor Obama whose only clothes are empty words.
I have a difficult time understanding the basis of your question. It seems straightforward. The new law is ensuring that those who are here illegally are not able to continue taking advantage of our programs and employment unless they are contributing to our government- as would be the expectation of any law abiding American citizen.
Isn't it Ironic that the Mexican government sends troops to the border after one of their drug smugling kids get killed? Why weren't they there to keep their own on their side to begin with?
Arizona's law does nothing that federal laws already could do. So I suspect it says that illegals were confident that federal laws would not be enforced, so they stayed. But they're confident that Arizona's will be enforced, so they're leaving.
Thank You for making the point that if you are stopped by a police officer you have to show identification no matter who you are. It has always been that way and it is to bad we had to pass a law to make people understand that. I live in Buckeye Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. In the 25 years that I have lived here I have been stopped by police maybe 3 times. Each time I was asked for I.D. , A drivers License. I'm a Irish American. I don't think I was racially profiled. If the people would come here legally, like my ancestors did, then they wouldn't have to worry about it, so I hope all of the people in the states that have been bad mouthing SB 1070 enjoy all of the illegals that are fleeinfg Arizona. Let's close the Border.
Good, my only hope is they head south! I only hope the Arizona law does not forget the thousands if not millions of illegals from the various parts of Asia.
For all you bleeding hearts out there, how do you think these same "immigrants" would respond if Americans moved into their cities and towns by the millions? Make no mistake the vast majority of immigrants have very little love in their heart for Americans or America.
It is a good law. I am a lifelong Democrat and I support it. I wish the law would be taken up by the federal government and applied to the entire country. Illegal is illegal and the laws need to be enforced.
The message to those elsewhere is that the voters in Texas and other states need to elect a Governor with the temerity and fortitude of Gov. Jan Brewer. In Texas we have a weak, impotent Governor who panders to the illegal immigrants from Mexico and our state is the poorer for it. We need a strong leader who isn't afraid to say, "Come to our country!! But come by following and respecting the laws of our nation!"
I think Latino will leave the state this bill is not about illegal immigrants this bill is about Mexicans. let's face it Arizona is not the most welcoming state when it come to diversity. We remember MLK I'M JUST SAYING!!
Arizona was made a state in1912. I came here in 1966. Arizona citizens of all races have worked hard building dams and a beautiful state. Now that the hard workis done, illegal immigrants are sneaking in to enjoy our prosperity, having done nothing to contribute. They get welfare and flood our emergency rooms. They need to o home to Mexico and build something as nice.
Dear Jack,
Wow! Arizona! Your law is working! At what! Sending human beings away from you! Quite an accomplishment in the land of the free and of the brave! What a sad accomplishment from a place that had a choice to find solutions to be inclusive of people and not exclusive! I'm sure glad not all States chose to resolve their conflict resolution following Arizona example and surely not a model. I guess people who left will surely not be singing I left my heart in Arizona after this life changing experience!
The message is – "It's working"! And could the media please stop calling it the "immigration law" – it has nothing to do with immigration, which is legal. This is an "illegal alien" law.
I just hope the people leaving our great state go to the States whom boycotted us. Our Law Enforcement budget now might be managable and watch the other states will complain when their new guests arrive.
Jack these folks left Arizona because we know the meaning of illegal
alien, which these folks are, not illegal immigrants which they are not because they never immigrated anywhere did they?.
It took me 26 yrs. to get here from Ireland and it was worth it. I just didn't show up and demand status. Think about it.
John
AZ
Of course it's working, Jack.
The impact on Mexican immigrants (legal or illegal) is like the impact of the threats of lynching and hangings in the deep south.
The most effective action is not always the most rational or moral, but it is often the simplest road to corruption.
The message is tough tacos baby we want you gone.
Writing from California, Lawndale. The message is the new immigration law is causing legal immigrants to leave Arizona, if the state wants to have a standard of living which is not 3rd world ,it need to not run it's citezes out of state.
Congratulations Arizona. This news about illegal immigrants leaving before the new law is enforced is a total bonus. That should prompt other States to enact a similar law. You know, the individual States might just solve the illegal immigration mess after all on their own despite all the roadblocks set up by the Obama government and corporate America.
The key word in Illegal Immigrant is "Illegal", not immigrant. If more time was spent going through the proper channels then mabye that young boy would of been somewhere else instead of involved in the horrible outcome that followed that day. I'm not sure that I know any other President as Mexico's when it comes to worrying more about the people leaving his own country instead of improving their own way of life to ensure their citizens aren't fleeing their own country. If they move out that should mean smaller classrooms where U.S. citizens can get a more focused education. With school budgets getting smaller all across the country we should welcome smaller classrooms. Lets get back to our roots of small communities and businesses. Besides, how many illegal immigrants do you know that are paying taxes for the very schools they're sending their children?
Jack,
The new law is causing the illegal immigrants to leave Arizona, which is GOOD news for us (USA). Anyway, 99% of them do not pay taxes, receive free health care, forcing us to learn Spanish in order to communicate with them. I hope other States like NY follow the same law. Not to mention, they labor is no longer cheap $100-$150 a day.
Jack,
It means that institutional/governmental racism works. Nobody wants to be put in jail because they don't look white and don't have their "papers" on them. Just ask the Jews how they felt when Hitler did the same thing to them. What are Arizonians worried about? That immigrants will do to them what Europeans did to Native Americans.
If Arizona's new law is causing illegal immigrants to leave the state then it is indeed accomplishing it goal of getting rid of crimminals. It seems that every state should adopt the same laws and the problem with illegal immigration will be solved. Our federal government is certainly not doing the job and Corporate America is encouraging the problem. American citizens, who break our laws, are punished. It is time to stop feeling sorry for those illegals who know full well what they are doing or they would not be sneaking across our borders. They need to apply for citizenship like thousands of other people do every year. No other country allows this crimminal behavior without serious consenquences. Why should the US? We cannot support ALL of the worlds poor. Many of our citizens are struggling to find work and feed their families.
If Arizona's law is making illegals leave before it even goes into effect, then the other 49 should pass laws just like it. The millions of people over here should to go back to Mexico and fight their own corrupt government instead of letting it shove them north to annex the SW portion of the US.
Regarding the Arizona's new immigration law and the fact that is causing illegal immigrants to leave the state, I think it is great and i will not visit Arizona at all, we were thinking about buying property but now we will not even visit the state, i guess the economic of the state will be affected by this law.
It shows how the people of Arizona dislike latinos in general.
thank you,
Marlene
Wow that sounds great, next year green peppers will be $8 each
a big Mac will be $10, can't wait
There's a palpable squirreliness now as one drives around Phoenix; apparently many residents here don't realize that laws are intended to create order rather than to induce insanity. Imagine living in the midst of MILLIONS with such attitudes and the next time you visit Phoenix you may have insight as to why the place looks as bad as it does.
What would happen if all the ignorant "I don't care" attitudes left the state? It sounds too good to be true.
The law speaks volumes and does so clearly. True Americans are making a stand to protect the way of life our Founding Fathers gave us.
Something that has not really made the news is this. Even though not a Congressional Censor, OBooboo has been stricken with a Public Censoring. Everything he does, even in within his powers of executive orders will one day and not 75 years later, be reviewed.
segregating people now.. just like happened to black people....... immigrant will leave the state of arizona because they do not want to lose what they ready have with the hard work but soon or later they will get tired of been treated like dogs and they will start a kind of revolution just to make the government respect their human rights. liked or not immigrant will never leave the country.
The message is clear. In plain old English.
Chuck
Texas
I have been living inAZ since 1951, moved from my birth place in California & have seen the changes over the past 50 yrs, I'm a nurse working in the same doc's pffice for the past 5 yrs, prior in the the burn unit at St Mary's hospital in Tucson; hospitals can'I refuse care because of race, ability to pay, or citizenship, consequently, burn victums are air vaced to the St Mary's burn unit, in curiticcal condition, from Mexico due to propane tanks blowing up (which they use for heat in the winter) at cost to American tax payers, do the Americans knows know this??? evey Illigal that has the flu, goes to the ER for treatment, they can"t be turned away, can you do this???, NO, if you have a job & a social security number, you will get a bill...I pay in, you pay in, they don't, they come here to get it for free, can you????
Jack it is working, Americans can finally have their country back.
Truth is we don't need any immigrants, legal or illegal. We need to pass the same law in Florida and tighten all imigration loopholes.
Richard Shelby.
From Holyoke,MA
The message is: If you're legal-no problem.
I would like to see similar laws passed in all states. The problem isn't Democratic or Republican. The problem is greed. Turn off the business electromagnet, and subject business owners who knowingly hire illegals a $20,000 per head fine for starters. I'm sure many Americans will appreciate the job opportunities!
BTW, I'm a small business owner.
Most people who are not even close to the border dont understand the major problem of this issue, Phoenix is the Number one kidnapping capital of the USA AND 2NC Kidnapping capital of the world behind mexico city, We discover a drop house almost every other day, This is a huge problem, We have mexico drug lords invading the arizona area every day, We just had two people killed in an area where the drug lords run there drugs at. It irriates me when people give there opinon on the law but most people who are against it dont read the law, example president obama. 70% of americans are for this new law. We dont need illegal immigrants here in arizona nor anywhere else in the united states, If ur going to come to the USA Please come through the LEGAL WAY NOT THE ILLEGAL WAY THANKS YOU
Please check your facts. If you are pulled over for a traffic violation in Arizona you will we be asked for your driver’s license and insurance papers.
If you end up in jail, yes you may be asked about your status as U.S. citizen.
I live in Oregon. I belong to a neighborhood association. Someone came to the meeting and reported to the police officer at the meeting that PEOPLE were running the stop sign by the school. So the officer parked near the stop sign to watch traffic. Turns out a lot of PEOPLE ran the stop sign. It also turns out when those PEOPLE were asked for their driver’s license and proof of insurance they didn’t have the one or both items. Guess what? Those PEOPLE got their cars towed.
Than some other PEOPLE claimed the police were racially targeting them. So the local police hosted a driver’s education for people who come from other countries. What did they learn? That the police ask EVERYONE they stop for their driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Obeying and enforcing traffic laws it is a concept?
It is a sad fact that Arizona HAD to pass this legislation. The federal government should be doing the job federal law requires them to do. No administration since Kennedy’s first year has properly enforced the federal immigration laws regarding foreign workers. However, this is dealing only with one symptom of a serious national disease… American citizens who hire them. Those who do so belong in prison or, at the very least, out of business.
It means that Arizonians are too smart to be fooled into believing enforcement of illegal immigration laws is PROSECUTION, not PERSECUTION, and it works.
Since you don't mention where they are going when they leave Arizona, I'll bet it isn't back to Mexico. They are no doubt going to the other 47 contiguous states that appreciate their business and efforts. Arizona's loss is everyone else's gain. Thanks, Governor Brewer.
Jack, I think it means it's working. I guess this means that the unemployment rate just went down in Arizona. Now, maybe some legal deserving AZ familes will find work.
B. Perez
Florida
Its SIMPLE, Mommy & Daddy broke the law 32 years ago. They came to the United States Of AMERICA with-out proper -open to everyone paperwork-. Thousands & THOUSANDS of people have entered OUR country sense Mommy & Daddy did so with-out minding the law. Now the law is being enforced; Your welcome from any where in the world; Just enter through the FRONT door. If you broke the law 30 some odd years ago, Learn our LANGUAGE pay our taxes, MIND the law and paperwork to be a member of our happy country!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA
I just made a comment to the Mexican invasion to Az, if you'd like any of my nursing collegues to reiterate, let me know
what happen that those hispanics that are leaving the state are not ilegals????...she still supporting the law..????....what happen that from thos 70 kids 60 are leaving because his parents are ilegals....that is fair?????.....what if all this people some are citizens...she still thinking the same....?????because are leaving for fear.....that is good for the state and the nation?????......I guess no....I don't think so....
GREAT law – GREAT results. What the hell don't they understand about the world ILLEGAL? We need the same law here in Georgia until the feds get off their butts, secure the borders, & enforce the laws already in effect.