How many lawsuits should fed. govt. file against Arizona over immigration issues?
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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The federal government is filing yet another lawsuit against Arizona when it comes to the heated issue of immigration.
This time the Justice Department is going after a Phoenix-area community college system. The feds say the school discriminated against almost 250 non-citizens by making them show extra immigration paperwork before being hired.
Officials say this violates an anti-discrimination provision in a federal law.
This latest lawsuit comes less than two months after the Justice Department sued Arizona over its tough new immigration law. A federal judge has put on hold the most controversial parts of that law - including the requirement for police to check the immigration status of anyone they stop if they think that person may be in the country illegally.
In the meantime, the State Department has decided to include Arizona's new law in a human rights report to the United Nations. The U.S. included its legal challenge to the Arizona law as one way the federal government is protecting human rights.
Say what?
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer was outraged - and rightfully so. She's demanding the reference be dropped. Governor Brewer says it's "downright offensive" that a state law would be included in the report to the U.N.
And there's more: The Justice Department is also investigating Sheriff Joe Arpaio in Maricopa County, Arizona for possible civil rights abuses. Sheriff Arpaio is known for being tough on immigration enforcement. Unlike our federal government.
Here’s my question to you: How many lawsuits should the federal government file against Arizona over immigration issues?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 6pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
As many as they can to stop this law. I live in AZ and am dismayed at the behavior of our legislators. There is NO way this law can work without targeting hispanics. Just in case it is important I am not hispanic.
Actually, Jack , the question should be : Why didn't the state of Arizona sue the federal government for failure to enforce federal law. If immigration is the responsibility of federal and not state government, aren't the plaintiffs and defendants mixed up here?
We gained exactly what every other colonizing power or occupier has gained: a tempory change with no solution. The solutions are within the hearts of the people of Iraq. All others are bystanders or worse.
What terribly short attention span people seem to have. There were millions of dollars to Halliburton!
What a waste of taxpayer money to continue lawsuits. The government needs to go after the people who hire these illegals. If there are no jobs for illegals, they will not come.
The government, and the ridiculous governor of Arizona needs to get a back bone instead of a wishbone, to resolve the problem with a comprehensive immigration bill. We aren't all idiots. It's obvious what the problems are.
you can send as many lawsuits as they want . the american people want immigration reform. only when gov.brewer decided to take matters in hand did people start paying attention. this will be the achilles heel for the gop. the latino vote will remember at election time, meanwhile obama also is flirting with an amnesty carrot and pandering for votes. the independents will make some noise this november because we dont want business as usual with whats in office in now.
As many as it takes. Their policy has given the state of AZ the right to discriminate, ignore Federal laws and take matters into their own hands. We have all witnessed discrimination in traffic stops etc.
Read where the governor is very closely tied to the private prisons they have, which will be housing the immigrants, and they are making money hand over fist.
Hey, Jack, have not noticed you or CNN todays report that illedgal immigration is down 67%. Now why is that
None, throw them out of the union. We don't need to sweep anymore dirty little secrets under the rug only to be brought out generations later. Remember the treatment given to the American Indian, Japanese, slavery, Jews, Catholic , etc. Later to bring same to us. Let's not fall into the pit again. The Governor of Arizona has know right to be out raged. We the people who make up these United States of America should be outraged. And our forefathers must be turning over in their graves.
This whole issue is a waste of time, and money, and effort. There won't be any more jobs for Americans if they're here or they're not. On top of that, we're now a "global" economy, so why not have open borders. We wouldn't worry so much if they were folks from Canada coming here - would we? So, bottom line, no more law suits. Let's just move on and try to build a new economy! We need jobs out here!
It is a disgrace to our country when the federal government prosecutes one of its own states. Governor Brewer has the only ounce of common sense left in government today in this country. It shouldn't metter what the President personally thinks of the immigration law; you don't sue one of your states–you work with them. Wasn't he supposed to be a great negotiator? If yes, then why single out a state over ideological issues? It's all politics so Democrats can keep Latino votes. So much for the "United" States.
Please don,t waste our money on anymore lawsuits. Lets use it to close our borders and handle the immigration problems which in turn will handle the job problems facing us as a nation. Donna McLemore
NONE, they were IDIOTS to file a lawsuit against Arizona in the first place. Is that plain enough or do I need to write this in Spanish as well?
The Federal Government should learn that it's their job to protect this country and learn to do so. According to my understanding of the law, it is a crime to be in this country illegally. Obviously the people who are running the Federal Government do not understand the meaning of what it is to be an illegal immigrant. If they want to let everyone in the country, they should change the law to state that everyone is welcome and "Welcome to America Land of the Free" .
Arizona should be reported to the U.N. for human rights violations. And the sheriff should be investigated. He thinks iit's the old west and he can do what he llikes to Mexicans, both legal and illegal. Kudos to the President and his Justice Dept. !
They shouldn't be filing at all. It's bad enough that American safety is such a low importance to the administration but to file against a state for protecting it's people is beyond me. I still don't know what the big deal is. If me showing identification helps my government protect my country I would gladly carry it and produce it when asked with a smile and a "Sure thing officer." How can you call yourself patriotic if you won't do that little bit to help out on what everyone knows is a serious problem?
As many as they have filed against sanctuary cities, which - unlike Arizona - have clearly decided to have an immigration policies not based on federal law. In short, zero.
Zero, instead they should spend that money doing their job so states like AZ don't have to do it for them! We used to be a nation of laws, what happened?
Jack,
What more can you expect, this administration is so far to the left they forget it is their job to protect Americans. Instead, this administration is more concerned with "Illegal" immigrants that they are willing to sacrifice our safety and way of life.
We have the most liberal immigration policy in the world, we let in more "Legal" immigrants per year than any other country on the planet. I am shocked that this administration would fail to enforce our own laws, then go out of their way to sue a state that steps up to do it for them.
I am ashamed to admit I voted for Obama, but I am proud to say that come November any politician that commits himself/herself to ending the wreckless spending, will focus on jobs, cut government programs and enforce our immigration laws will have my vote. For incumbants that voted for bills and never read them, just blindly followed their party dont even try promising anything, I have seen your true colors.
However many it takes for Arizona to realize the error of their ways.
How about none. The Democrats are stupid for pursueing this near election time.
As many as possible. They can't just do whatever they please. That's something they're finding out to their cost, including loss of tourism, from Americans, & around the world. They should have read the Constituti
While they're at it, they should sue the Republican'ts, who said, "HELL NO!!!!! We won't sign that immigration reform bill, or do anything else until after the elections." Why did they say that? They should all be put in prison for obstruction of justice.
Right after President Obama took office, he sent loads of National Guard troops to guard the Border, & took other measures to make it more heavily guarded than it has ever been; much better than it was in 2008. Also, more than twice the number of illegals have already been sent home, than during the whole 8 years of the last administration. In 2009, the crime rate along the Arizona border was already the lowest it has been in decades &, is dropping lower all the time. Now, more troops have been sent, so there will be even fewer problems than there are now.
So, what's their beef? Does anybody know what they're belly-aching about?
•
As many as Jesus would. And not the Republican Jesus...
None
The feds need to get off their arses and do their job, then Jan Brewer will not have to try to protect us from God knows who may be coming across the border. It has been reported here that prayer mats are being foung among the abandoned belongings. Last time I looked Mexicans did not pray to Allah.
NONE! and why would they want to? i would think arizona's law would save them money! Az is doing there job for them. If a policeman asks' me for id when i am stopped why shouldn't they ask criminals for theirs?
who cares who does the job of rounding up and evicting these criminals from MY country! by the way jack who invited these people? And why do politicians care about illegals anyway? When and where do they vote?
What the hell is a Non Citizen? You either live her or you don't. This was a public college funded by public tax dollars. They have a right and a duty to make sure those that apply for school and funding are legally allowed to do so. Because 250 applicants happened to be people seeking a higher level of education in a country that allows them to attend is not a reason to file a lawsuit against them. The assets used to fight such a law suit come out of the same pockets that pay for this public education.
Zero, Jack – as a matter of fact the shoe should be on the other foot – the states should be filing papers against Homeland Security, DOJ, ICE, and the President – for their failure to enforce the laws which they were sworn to uphold. The expenses that the states are having to bear with the various impacts that illegal immigrants impose – plus the law enforcement manpower issues create a tough situation with the current economy. Governor Brewer need not fret too much – the rational members of the UN see this political ploy by the Obama administration for what it is – and he is the ultimate loser.
the question should be how many lawsuits states like AZ and others having to deal with the illegal immigrants bring against the federal government. the fed refuses to do its job and address this matter as it is obligated to do. neither republicans or democrats have shown the will and wisdom to enforce the laws that these lawmakers have put into place. both sides waffle and equivocate, rather than just doing their job. the laws are in the books so there should be no reason for them to hesitate. didn't these jokers swear an oath to uphold the laws of the United States?
hillsborough, NC
Jack, if we let Arizona preempt US law, then every state in the country will require all of us to carry "papers". Does Gestapo ring a bell?
I'm not defending the government's laxity in this regard, I'm defending the Constitution. George W. Bush left open the barn door and Obama is trying to close it without violating individual rights. This cat is out of the bag!
Dear Jack,
The U.S. is the leader of the free world!
Zero. What we need instead is a pro-American government that prioritizes the interests of the United States and our citizens at all times. Respecting and upholding Article II section 3 of the Constitution would be a good start.
It should be the other way around. Arizona should sue the Federal government for not enforcing the laws that are already on the books.
The Federal Government SHOULDN'T sue Arizona AT ALL!!!
We should sue that Obama care is unconstitutional!
The crappy Justice Department only has had to file one lawsuit to so piss off off the electorate that this will be the nail in the coffin of their defeat.
None!
The question is, when is the Federal Government going to sue Barack Obama for impersonating an American President?
As many lawsuits as it takes to bring them in compliance with law.
Arizona doesn't get a free walk on breaking federal law simply because their stance matches the current rhetoric against immigration.
The federal government should file one lawsuit per civil rights violation, no more, no less.
The Fed's need to BACK OFF. That's AZ's problem, not the Fed's.
Jack the Federal Government should stop suing and just fix the problem instead pretending to work on it!
But i think that this President doesnt want to hurt the feelings of illegals, and so the citizens of the United States under Obama be nothing more than second class residents.
Rob
Staten Island
After the "boycotts" and the "lawsuits" and the "protests". I don't care anymore. Its very apparent that The United States Government doesn't care about us Arizonians.
As many as it takes to limit the proliferation of xenophobically-inspired legislation aimed at an outsider group a victim of our own lack of adequate policy implementation.
It isn't about the number of lawsuits anymore. It never has been. It's about something being done, an impact being made, to get this racism to cease once and for all. If a lawsuit is what's necessary, then let's hit arizona with everything we've got.
Debbie
west pittston, Pennsylvania
none. absolutely disgraceful
Jack,
The Government should file "as many lawsuits as it takes" to get Arizona (my state!) to start acting rationally! Any state that allows folks to take weapons into bars serving alcohol isn't very rational!
You may find it offensive, Jack, but I think it is appropriate. The Arizona law, as it is written, is an infringement on human rights. Just because of an accent or color of skin, people can be stopped and treated differently than anyone else. Yes, the Congress should have dealt with our immigration laws, and I so wish they would get their act together to do so. However, the Arizona law goes too far, in my opinion.
None, I don't get offended when I am constantly asked for my passport when I'm abroad. If you have to keep your pasport on you at all times when you are in other countries, why should visitors not have to in the US?
These hard line, right wing fanatics have forgotten that this country was founded on the concept of immigration. Granted, we need standards and to enforce those standards, but Arizona has crossed a line. This law needs to be stricken down, and every lawsuit necessary should be filed against Arizona until the law is repealed. Including the law in a report to the U.N. is a brilliant move against this immigration law.
None. It only takes a few short minutes to read the Arizona law on illegals. It looks just like the federal law on the same issue. Obama, please tell me, what's wrong with obeying the law?
How disgusting, we have a President who DIVIDES America with his lame experience. UNITED States? How about Divided States of America. SINCE when did a US PRESIDENT ever sue a State for UPHOLDING LAW? What does Obama not understand about the word ILLEGAL?? Ooops, I guess he knows with a certificate of birth never seen. We are in trouble. I will join the other 24 states trying to UPHOLD laws in America. By the way, we are NOT a muslim nation last I knew.
As many as it takes Jack. And I'm a 5th generation Arizonan and a geezer. Most of the time I'm with you, but not this time. Wasn't it Barry Goldwater who said extremism in pursuit of liberty is no vice?
NONE. How sad that our U. S. Justice Department doesn't realize that the word "illegal" in front of immigrant means they should do something about THAT immigrant. Sad to say the Feds ignore the word illegal and go after Arizona, and the Governor who seems to be one of the few in government who know the meaning of the word "illegal".
I think they should stop filing lawsuits. My husband and I had to go through the year long process after we were married so that he could move here legally from the UK. It is unfair and a slap in the face to people like us who had to go through the process and time legally when illegals are allowed to stay, work, marry and have anchor children in the US as if it is their god given right to do so. What is it about the word "illegal" that is escaping everyone's understanding????
Hey Justice Department: The key word is ILLEGAL – is that ALIEN to you?
The Fed now attacking American citizens and states for standing up for their own rights? People, wake up. Be afraid, be very afraid.
It disgusts me that Obama is joining FOREIGN COUNTRIES to sue one of it's own states. The reason-the Democrats are trying to legalize the illegals in order to buy their (along with legal hispanics) votes.
It's that simple, jack.
I think all 50 states should file lawsuits suing the Federal Government for not enforcing the statutes on the books already. Also law suits for the weak response to immigration in general. Turning a blind eye after all these years is unconscionable!
Absolutely none. Our government not only refuses to efficiently enforce immigration laws on the books, but also has the nerve to insult the only state that has taken any drastic action at all.
Jack, They should file as many as required, dozens, hundreds, millions, I'm not so old that I still remember a stubborn governor standing on the steps of a university refusing to obey federal law. Federal Law trumps anything Arizona has to say. End of story. As more me, Arizona is on my personnel "do not travel" list. Gosh I hope they resolve this before my annual trip for baseball spring training, but I guess I can go to Florida instead.
Not one. Leave Arizona alone and use the time and resources to do their job on the border. The government should stop listening to the greedy corporations who want cheap labor that can't afford to talk back. It's a disgrace.
Weaverville, NC
None. The Feds need to stop spending our money and do their job. Obviously our politicians care more about gaining votes than doing the right thing and protecting our country from illegal immigration. One can only hope the American people begin the process of changing government this Fall. Throwing the bums out of office is the only way to change the process. Our elected royalty needs a wake up call.
The federal government IS INSANE!!! HOW, in God's name, can AN ILLEGAL have discrimination rights, BEING A NON-CITIZEN???? HOW can a school discriminate against someone WHO DOES NOT BELONG IN THIS COUNTRY? THIS IS INSANITY AT ITS GOVERNMENT BEST!!!!
They should do whatever it takes. It's not like we should ignore more and more bigoted and dangerous behavior just because it replicates. Uou tout Joe Arpaio. His department has been sued and found responsible for deaths and injuries statistically higher than other similar departments. Should we ignore it because xenophobia is chic these days? Should we ignore the fact that all citizens along the border are being treated like criminals?
How many civil rights abuses do you think they get to earn amnesty from government oversight?
The real question here is "Do illegal aliens have constitutional rights?" I happen to think that constitutional rights of the United States of America are a part of being a legal citizen.
None. Arizona should file a suit against the Federal government for failing to shoulder the responsibility they are insisting is theirs. Perhaps a class action suit from the citizens of the US, or at least those that think illegal means illegal.
As many needed to stop racist laws and policies, that are unconstitutional. First they would not celebrate MLK day now they want racial profiling against minorities. I am a conservative Christian that is for Comprehensive immigration reform, like president Bush. The Republican party is destroying their chances for largest growing voting group, who many are evangelical Christians. Hate and fear need to stop, we need the federal government to fix our broken immigration system. Start with the dream act this month. Both Democrats and Republicans need to stop playing politics and get a real solution.
The full force of the Feds is out to crush Arizona in the Chicago Way. This is shameful and scandalous for the Obamaites to intimidate and threaten as if it were the Mafia. A pox on the House of Obama. The next election cannot happen fast enough.
What right does the federal gov't have to file lawsuits against a State, when they pick and choose which lawa to enforce. Are not they required to enforce ALL LAWS on the books. I'd liked to file a lawsuit against Eric holder for not enforcing the imigration laws on the books no mattered how outdated they may be. Short answer to your question,,,,,,,,,NO!!!!!
s an outsider (canada) who follows this item I guess my only queston is Why is it that nobody sues the justice dept. for not enforcing the immigration. Is the job not to enforce the laws of the United states?
As many as needed to have this law overturned! I live in Arizona and I can tell you that there are plenty of us here who are deeply ashamed of the behavior or our governor and state legislature. If you want to solve the problem with illegal immigration you need to go after the businesses that seek out illegal workers and exploit them. Harassing people who "look" illegal is a disgusting form of racism!
Dear Jack,
The U.S. is the leader of the free world and somehow the american people and its representatives has to live by being an example at home! The day a nation start asking people for paper of their citizenship that is either intimidating and or discriminating then a nation starts losing its values of being a leader! The U.S. is protecting our values at home and the respect of the U.S. from around the world for being an example of being people living up to our values at home and not for turning away from our own values!
No, lawsuits should be filed against Arizona. It seems to me that the federal government is filing frivolous lawsuits because they don 't like what Arizona is doing. I don't see them suing the Sanctuary Cities. I find it freighting when our government starts suing states that are just trying to protect themselves. I have family in Arizona and have heard for years of the frustrations and problems they have. I don't think the Government cares. I also think we need more Sheriffs like Apaio too. He should not be investigated for protecting the Citizens.
Our government is spending a lot of time as we speak repairing relationships thousands of miles away. Perhaps its time to fix the problems in your own back yard..
None. So let me see if I got this right ... the college requests proof of citizenship to make sure that the applicant is a legal citizen, and this is discriminatory. If they don't and hire an illegal immigrant, they are violating federal law. Nice job, State Department! The efficiency of our government is truly amazing. Instead of spending US tax dollars defending the rights of non-US citizens, how about using these same dolars to secure the borders? Maybe even throw a few of those dollars at the college so that they can provide additional educational opportunities to US citizens! Now, there's a novel thought ...
There shouldnt have been one lawsuit filed.(waste of tax payer money)..Im beginning to wonder if being a illegal person is really against the law here in the US..the people of this country really need to speak out and stand up for our rights, because either we are going to have laws that have to be followed or we knowingly run around breaking laws like these border jumpers, if some can do it then why cant we all
None – AZ is protecting its people. They are saving all of us money. The residence do not need to by school supplies, food or supply medical care for the people here illegaly. Not to mention keeping terrorists out of the US. Thank you AZ and God bless you on a job well done.
There should NO lawsuits filed by the federal government against Arizona. They are only doing the job of the federal government,
the federal government involves itself in enough of our business without trying to control the laws of the individual states. They should concentrate on doing their jobs than the state of arizona wouldn't have to do it for them.
The USA played politics with the Mexican Gov't for fear of a communist nation being on the southern U.S. border. CIA helped put their puppet President in power, who in turned stole riches from the Mexican Gov't and Mexican people, leaving their country a 3rd world nation.
Same B.S. happen in Haiti, with U.S. interference.
Same thing happen in
Now these people flee to the USA to find a better life, to support their families, after U.S. foreign policies pretty much left their country in ruins.
Jack, one word says it all "ZERO!"
they should add as many lawsuits as possible to help with the mis-direction, there are people paid to sit around and come up with distractions to keep us from really seeing what's going on. I like Obama, voted for him, but just maybe he is not being all he can be. everybody in this country, save the indians and mexicans came here from another decrepit nation
Sue as often as Brewer/Arapaio are abusing the law. I am eager to see Sheriff Joe, with his power over the little people, wearing pink underwear in a tent out in the Arizona sun!!!
zero! The fererals government job is to protect our borders. Take the money you would use towards lawsuits and build up another post on the mexican border. No state should have the power to regulate a federal law, still nor should a state be forced into that corner. As a society we are both at fault.
The feds should file as many lawsuts against Arizona as it takes to get Arizona to stop discriminating against legal residents and U.S. citizens. The best example is this: A U.S. citizen of hispanic descent comes home from Iraq where he/she served with distinction. A police officer asks him to show proof that he is here legally. The veteran pulls up his shirt and shows the officer 5 bulltet wounds sustained in defending his buddies in months of combat in Iraq. The police officer arrests him. Ask another loaded question, Jack.
As many as it takes Jack.
Keep filing lawsuits and investigating our racist, human and civil rights violating government here in AZ. It is embarrassing to be a resident of this state.
This is absolutely ridiculous, offensive and shameful, Jack. Democrats are so desperately trying to keep the House and the Senate that they have no idea of the harm this can do to our country. Calling out our own people on human rights issues is a new one to me! It's downright immoral and shows how little class this Hope government has. Brewer has a right to be mad, real mad! And so do all Americans who are proud to be American. This is another "apology" issue from the Obama administration!
NONE!!!! This is making our govt. look like a big joke. There is nothing wrong with checking for immigration status. Where I work in NY they ask if your a citizen and you need to show proof. All companies should be doing this. Our fed govt. isn't doing anything about anything. We as citizens should sue our own govt. for the problems that were in with immigration. Every employer should get penalized for hiring illegals and I'm not just talking about mexicans. ALL illegals.
When I was 16 years old I was pulled over by a police officer and arrested for a curfew violation. Probable cause? He thought I looked too young to be out past midnight. I was breaking the law and he pulled me over to check my identification. Perhaps the federal government should sue the state of Oklahoma. Why is checking the papers of a suspected ILLEGAL immigrant so much different than that? We keep forgetting that ILLEGAL immigrants are still breaking the law, and it's the job of law enforcement to do just that... ENFORCE!!!!
As many as it takes to get the congress to deal with the issue. E plurbus unum. Out of many, one.
NONE! This president and his administration are a daily embarrassment to the US and our allies. Hopefully, November will be only the beginning. Hopefully, the United States will be able to survive the Obama years, and we will vote him and his "posse" out of office in 2012!
God Bless Governor Brewer. We need more like her!!
I think all federal employees should be excised 40% of their wages to support the hardships of all illegal aliens. And all federal wages be frozen permanently!
The US should file zero lawsuits against Arizona. It is outrageous to send this to the UN as an example of how the feds protect human rights. So now illegals have a RIGHT to be here? I love imigrants (legal ones,
that is). My father was one such. I had a wonderful talented grad student who was one and who the feds made it nearly impossible for him to stay here. Obama is sealing his fate as a one termer,
unfortunately.
About as many as they would file against themselves for not following through on one of their few rightful responsibilities, protecting the nation through enforcement of border control. But instead, they are paying for signs warning travelers of illegal trafficking and suing states for doing the Feds' jobs.
If the US government would do their job, Arizona would not have needed to pass a law. The US goverment should do their work and eliminate their friviolous law suits!. All you need to do is watch the local news here once to know we are in trouble because of illegal residents. I am a lifetime Arizona resident and I don't like what has happened to our state due to illegal immigrants. What don't they understand about the word 'illegal'?
Im starting to think he has no common sense.
None. The intention of the founding fathers, as indicated in Article. I., Section. 9., "The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit,...", seems not to remove altogether the rights of the states of these United States of America regarding immigration.
ZERO...Our country needs to stick together and not turn on each other. I would like to know whose money they are using to pursue these lawsuits? Oh, I forgot, it must be MY taxpayer money!
What in the heck is State thinking? They need to drop all US government law suits against Arizona NOW. And, they need to look around the world and see what REAL Human Rights violations are all about. The State Department is the last agency that should be bad-mouthing Arizona and our great country.
None. Arizona should file a suit against the Federal government for failing to shoulder the responsibility they are insisting is theirs. Perhaps a class action suit from the citizens of the US, or at least those that think illegal means illegal.
Rather than filing lawsuits, the administration should be taking on the admittedly difficult task of fixing the system. If the federal laws cannot be enforced or if the existing laws are unfair, then possibly they should be changed. We should never have a situation where we are suing ourselves for enforcing our own laws
jan brewer should sue the federal government. if they were doing
their job lawsuits would not be necessary. By the way our neighbor
viirginia is following suit, as is frederick county,maryland.
Jan Brewer ,my hero , she has the balls washington lacks.
there should be no lawsuit , if they are giving away money to go to school you better make sure the people its going to are eligible by checking their credentials. Just like I have to verify my credentials when applying for a job, or loan, or grants. its common sense that someone would verify that you are who you say you are and that you are a citizen. It ridiculous that this is even a debate. I don't get angry when I speed and a police officer ask for my driver’s license I just get angry I got caught.
instead spending the money on lawsuits and national guard and deportation; the government should offer out of work americans moving cost to wherever the immigrants are working, and "arrange" with the owners of these companies hiring illegals to hire americans or go to jail. problem solved. kinda like back when the national guard had to be brought in to assure the safety of folks who had a right to be in school, just this has to do with people's right to make a living.
Power to the States. Let 'em sue until the cows come home.
Arizona can join the movement to secede from the Union.
Law enforcement officers are able to identify illegal immigrants because they have been caught and sent back on several previous occassions, yet they can not do anything to them without a Fed. That is ridiculous.
Rico
None, zip, zilch, zero .. !!!! But then again , it is an election year ......
None. Period. If the federal government would do its job and close our borders to illegals, the states most effected wouldn't be passing laws to protect themselves. Actually, all 50 states are being overrun by illegal immigrants. Lest someone call me a racist, let me tell them that I am a second generation hispanic American. My family came here legally by following the laws of this country. All immigrants should have to do the same.
I am a resident of Arizona. You people don't understand what is going on in AZ. Gov Jan hasn't a clue about rights or laws, she is being led by several people including Maricopa's sheriff. There is a racial element in AZ, and but they are not the majority. I am not HIspanic, but many people who are Hispanic citizens of the U.S., longtime AZ residents, fear the direction this is going. States do not have the right to make laws about citizenship.
I think the government should not be able to take any action against a state in its own union. They are enforcing laws that have existed for a long time but now its become a problem in this new "giving" country we have created. We worry more about the problems of people in other countries and what their civil rights are over those of the American people who have lived here legally for years. If the government thinks that they have the right to sue a state for enforcing a law that should have been better enforced since day one, its telling people that its ok for immigrants to break the law but a u.s. citizen cannot. If I commited a crime, I would be punished according to the law I broke yet when an immigrant breaks the law they are given a job and a sense that the american people are to do as they say and not letting them come here illegally is against their civil rights. I'm sorry but there is a legal way of coming here and everyone should have to follow that same law
'0" lawsuits should have been filed against Arizona. Our Federal Gov't, specifically the State Department is out of line filing any lawsuits against Arizona. They need to start enforcing our Federal Emigration Laws and let the States deal with their own emigration problems since they do not seem to have the guts to do so. I hope more states get busy and put in their own tough emigration laws in place to send the message that we are fed up with the Federal Gov't not doing its job and will do it themselves. Mr Obama needs to get his priorities straight, its the economy stupid.
The Federal government is nuts, again overstepping their boundary by miles. This whole immigration issue should be left to the states along our borders, as it affects them / us directly.
Dave Lewerenz
Texas
Jack...70 percent of Americans support what Arizona is doing....It is just like the healthcare bill. It does not matter what America wants,only what Obama wants.....The dems have hung themselvs,now they are digging their graves....Arizona is trying to clean their house,and the dems keep throwing dirt in it.
None! The feds should apologise to Brewer and start enforcing Federal law!!!
The only answer that logically comes to mind is ZERO ... if the fState Department and the government, note lower case, were representing the citizentry instead of personal and political interests we would not even be discussing this question. This is offensive and frankly embarassing when discussed when I travel to other countries. This is obsurb!!
None. The only involvement the federal government should have with regards to the Arizona border is to help enforce it. People are dying all over the "deadzone", and the border patrol is overwhelmed and have abandoned areas of the border.
I think you asked the wrong question, Jack, because the answer to your question is zero. If you reverse the question a bit, and ask how many states should join Arizona in suing the Federal government for dereliction of duties, the answer would be 49. But I wouldn't just limit those lawsuits to immigration. There are plenty of other shameful failures and abandonment at the Federal level. Why is everyone focused on just immigration?
The Dems, especially and obnoxiously the Justice Dept., are selling out America one illegal at a time.
Okay, so it was dumb to include it in the UN report. So the school screwed up by requiring "extra" paperwork. But come on, Jack, Sheriff Joe Arpaio? Sure he's got a reputation of being tough, but when he crosses the line, he jumps over it. If anyone deserves to be investigated, it's him.
The feds should files as many law suits as necessary against all Arizona public entities whose policies or laws violate the civil rights of citizens, legal residents or persons residing or living in the state. Our national constitution is at stake when a rogue state like Arizona takes it upon itself to violate existing federal laws.
About the Fed Gov again suing AZ as just broadcast. It is outrageous what the government is doing and taking a civil rights report to the UN! Why doesn't Obama just hand over the country to Mexico. Most important, why doesn't someone stop this man, Obama, from his anti-American behavior; can we call him a traitor to our own patriotic countrymen. I think we should be looking at the power the President and his cronies wield; this is totally unacceptable. I was open to Obama when he won the presidency, but no more. Why can't more people see through this man and his destruction of things American. – our freedoms. Sick of it. nan
NONE! He's just enforcing the laws that ALL Americans want enforced. As far as violating any rights what about the American tax payers rights?? They are the only ones I see violate here! Whatever happend to for the people/by the people??
The federal government should not file any more suite against Arizona. The Feds should take over its police. That way they would make sure that federal law on immigration is applied in AZ too.
AZ is not a super state. It is just one of the 52 states.
If our ancestors were sent back by the indians, I wonder how many of us would be here or would have died of inquisition and other class or religious intolerance in Europe.
The Federal Government should file as many lawsuits as possible to avoid sanctions that the U.N. can impose on the United States.
Maybe the States should sue the Fed Gov for failing to enforce Fed immigration Laws...
Bill
Tampa Fl.
Jack, how many lawsuits will it take until Arizona realizes that these individuals are human beings with families and problems just like the rest of us – citizens or not. To single out one ethnic group for this type of harassment is simply unamerican. If they want to arrest the drug dealers, do so with my blessings, enforce all laws with equality, but stop this bigoted treatment of a group of people who are simply trying to survive the best way they know how.
I agree with the state department. Arizona's law is a violation of human rights in that it targets a specific ethnic group for police scrutiny and possilbe imprisonment even if they are legal citizens, but just weren't carrying ID to prove it. Also, I am concerned about the corporate money involved in this law. Arizona is the only state that has all its prisons run by corporations for profit. This new law makes it mandatory for the first time, for illegal immigrants to spend time in state prisons. Coincidence? Who do you think is a major contributor to Jan Brewer's campaign? What about Joe Arpaio? Follow the money.
none. the federal govnment should do their job and we would not have this problem
Jack, we file all kinds of suits in the U.to make our point. I am just unable to see why telling the world and UN that we are a biggoted and an anti immigration country should upset anyone. It is going to come out some how and at some time. We speak through both sides of our mouths...........we hire immigrants on the cheap and don't want them to actually exert any power or even say anything. We get all upset when they want to be treated decently. Oh my word!!! How dare they! Arizona, and now the rest of the, whiners are just plain selfish and uncaring and downright wrong.
Connie
Florida
In away none at the moment. Sometimes a hard head makes a soft behind. What I mean is you have show people that they're wrong.
What is going to happen is that American citizens of latino descent are going to be targeted along with others that 'look' like them. Then when the evidence comes out, they'll be sued for violating an American citizen's civil rights. Paying out a lot of money for violating one's civil rights will make anyone listen.
None!
Zilch.
Zero,
Northern California!
Jack,
Arizona governor Jan Brewer has shown the courage needed to give us back our dignity as american people. Joe Arpaio is a hero in law enforcement circles. Our states across this country need to take a lesson from these "patriots" and make the difficult decisions to enforce our laws to the letter. It's time that we all stand up and fight to restore our "Pledge of Allegiance" and the right to acknowledge our God in our schools. Respect for our Flag and for our right to Pray may restore our dignity as a society.
Jack how come nothing is ever mention about non speaking spanish person cant get a job in a border state when they have the best qualifications Reverse discrimation hurts lot of people but this is never mentioned
The new adminstration cant get a grip on the drug war and the residual violence the accompanys it. They and previous administrations have'nt and just wont fix the borders of our country. In my opinion they have collectively allowed our country to become a dumping ground for those seeking to refine their hustle and to make the quick buck. The RITE did nothing out of greed and fiscal respocibility and the LEFT wont out of political correctness and human rites. Gov. Brewer is rite,and the people I threw my vote away on are just very very wrong and just like the previous administration have no immigration reform policies at hand what so ever. .
IWhat a joke, want my money back.
George
Chester,Ct.
Zero. If Arizona is only following the Fed requirements that the Feds are not enforcing, then there should be none. (ZERO) I thought we had little fed funds and I am shocked we can to afford suing Arizona not once but twice!!!
TJ of Michigan
of course they have every right to put that stupid law, which violates the right of all Latinos who live here legally ...
ZERO!!! – the government rather should do what it supposed to do – defend its LEGAL citizens – i just became a US citizen this year and pretty much every action of this government has been a big embarrassment. Thank God to people like Governor Brewer and Sheriff Joe, who have the guts to do what is right and not what keeps these bureaucrats in Washington in their seats. Guess what – the governor of Sonora south of the border is complaining about the increased violence, unemployment and crime rate due to all the illegals coming back into Mexico!
Pretty desperate move to complain at the UN (who's legitimacy they question in many other cases)
Frankly I am surprised at Jack's attitude about the immigration issue, I guess he has forgotten what history has taught us about the way the Irish immigrants were treated and the laws against them or worse the Chinese immigrants, remember: "Not a chinaman's chance." I think the U.S Justice Department should continue to file suits against the BIGOTED Gov. Brewer and Joe Arpiao before they begin building showers with stone soap and large ovens for "making coke."
S. Benemo
Bucks County PA
Just enough to lose the November elections.
Jack, how many lawsuits will it take until Arizona realizes that these individuals are human beings with families and problems just like the rest of us – citizens or not. To single out one ethnic group for this type of harassment is simply unamerican. If they want to arrest the drug dealers, do so with my blessings, enforce all laws with equality, but stop this bigoted treatment of a group of people who are simply trying to survive the best way they know how
None, Jack. Arizona has become the administration's scapegoat in a misguided attempt to make the US appear just as bad as everybody else. Americans didn't like it when Obama sued Arizona the first time. They will like it even less this time.
The worst thing that Janet Napolitano ever did was leave her position as Governor and let Jan Brewer take over. She seems to find nothing wrong about lying about beheadings in the Arizona desert. They need to learn to quit breaking Federal laws.
Joe Arpio has become a charicature of himself. He has become a power-mad, media-seeking joke.
Arizona, as much as I love it, has become an embarassment.
Zero! When my husband was offered a job here in the US and we applied for our Green Cards, we were thoroughly investigated! Our fingerprints not only had to be verified by the Royal Cdn Mounted Police but they also had to clear the FBI and Interpol – and goodness knows it's common knowledge how subversive we university-educated Canadians are! We also had to submit to HIV and TB testing and physical exams. Upon receiving our cards we had to sign a contract that stated that we would not become a burden to the American taxpayer. The citizens of Arizona have a right to be angry at how their Federal government has dropped the ball, leaving them to pick up the tab for healthcare, education and incarceration services for individuals who are not legal citizens of this country and who are not contributing to the tax base.
HAHAHA!!!! Hey Jack! We are talking about the same State Department that is spending billions of taxpayer dollars (during a recession, mind you) building and renovating mosques in approximately 27 COUNTRIES around the globe, right?
As many it taked to get Arizona to secede from the U.S. Then I'll move to Arizona.
As many as they are guilty for, Janet and all those Racist Politicians have been dragen down this this culture and State for to long and it's about time the Feds got involved, I'm a fourth generation Tucsonan whos family believes this racism has gone on for too long She only woke up a sleeping giant! Hope for change and human rights.
The suits are not over the same aspect of AZ law. The non citizens may be resident aliens (legally present citizens of other country's). They should have the same rights as a citizen should they not? They have gone through all the right procedures to come to the US. The securing of the borders of our country has to be a united effort and therefor preformed by the federal government.
I am confused about the border issue. You are either a citizen or you aren't . If you are then you came through the proper channels to become one. If you aren't then you don't belong here. Pretty simple. It has nothing to do with political parties it's the law.
As many as it takes for the Govt. of Arizona to realize that they are part of the US and not a separate entity that may make up its own rules.
As many times it takes to get Arizona to secede from the U.S. Then I'll move to Arizona.
No! Instead of protecting the border our government erected warning signs to tell travelers in Arizona they probably are in danger and then put a few unarmed and untrained members of the National Guard to take names but no ability to kick ass. What kind of "national security" is this?
Biased a little Jack? Illegal immigration is a ginned-up political issue more than it is a real problem. The problems around the border have to do with the drug cartels, not the folks that are just trying to make $30 bucks a day and have some kind of a decent life. ICE goes after real criminals – that's where it puts its resources. Now those resources will be used to detain grandparents and moms and dads. You keep yapping about debt, well this law is going to cost all Americans a lot. Twenty-nine thousand for every little old lady we stick in jail and deport.
Isn't it strange how every century or so we find a race of people to persecute? Those who don't look like us or think like us.
This country began by trying to eliminate the Indian, then we oppressed and degraded the African, we went on in the early 1900's to find Irish, Italians and most European immigrants offensive. The Japanese American in the 40s. Today it is the Muslim and Hispanic who we must try to belittle and slight.
A Nation of freedom, hope, and people coming together, my ass. Over the course of hundreds of years we still do not get it.
How about jailing anybody that hires an illegal alien, ship the illegals back to their own country and instead of allowing "anchor children" refuse government assistance and refuse citizenship to the child based on the parent's illegal activity.
In essense, Illegals are breaking into our house that we legally built and paid for. If someone broke into your house, ate your food, slept in your bed, popped out a baby during their "visit" and had a friends come with a truck to help loot and empty your house... would the police come along and say "oh, that's ok... you can stay there since your comfortable?" No!!!! The police would take the intruders and their helpful friend, slap them in jail for breaking and entering, theft and ship the kid off to someone that can take care of it until the parents get out of jail for breaking the law.
How is breaking into the country any different?
None
Enough with the stupidity!
The US is the only country in the world were foreign nationals have more rights and protections than native and naturalize citizens. If you enter any other country in the world illegally you’re either put in jail or shot, not in the US. Why become a citizen than? You have all the rights already.
I vote Democrat on many issues but will look for other parties to vote for now. The Democrats and civil servants of lost all aspects of loyalty to the Constitution and citizens of the US. It time for term limits on civil servants.
None. This is a state's rights issue, same as hunting wolves in the northwest. Feds always proclaim "states rights" until it is something they oppose, then they claim an "eminent domain" mentality, doing whatever the hell they want. Bring the troops from Iraq and put them on the damned border and stop this foolishness! As for sheriff Joe, "GO JOE, GO!"
It's only taken one lawsuit against the citizens of Arizona (and the rest of the rest of the country) for the American people to work towards voting the Democrats out of office. At this point nothing could make me vote Democrat ever again. I'm so fed up with being laid off, unemployed or thrown in the cheap, illegal labor force that I say bring on the equally screwed up Republicans. Maybe they'll get rid of most of the illegal immigrants and I might possibly be able to work and support myself again. Hey, we might even see an American citizen hired at a construction site, in a restaurant kitchen or any of the many other jobs that are no longer open to us.
Rena
NYC
AZ deserves our support; not our condemnation. I was born and have spent most of my life on the east coast. I spent one year living in Phoenix and you cannot understand what it's like on the frontier until you've lived it. There are warlords, funded by drugs, with private armies right over the line. You see dozens of people trapped in a single room by human smugglers. Arizona is not the enemy. The people of AZ are under siege from drug warlords. The rest of us should let them know we will cover their backs, instead of leaving Arizona to fend for itself. I feel ashamed that my government seems to believe Arizona is the enemy, instead of the warlords that terrorize people on both sides of the border.
None... Isn't anyone else concerned that they've somehow criminalized the intolerance of law breakers? That's what a "non-citizen resident" is right? It's a person that ignored the laws of the United States and resides in our country ILLEGALLY! Shouldn't the U.S. Government be more concerned with the states that ignore these law breakers and allow them to continue to break the law under threat of this intolerance witch hunt we've created...
If the Republican Pary of 'NO' is preventing the Federal Government to come up with a humanitarian, unprejudiced solution to the ILLEGAL immigration problem, then we know where the problem lies.
Olga
Austin, Tx
What's the problem? The federal gov't can file as many lawsuits as they want, remember Obama promised immigaration reaform during the campaign and now you are seeing it in action. As for me I would rather see this debate in congress, but, as they say, whatever trips your trigger. This is the new way to solve the illegal immigration issue. So all the states, especially Arizona, should pay heed. All illegal immigrants are an "indangered species" and are therefore intitled to the protections provided under the endangered species act.
Certainly not in my name, the Feds can file as many lawsuits as they want to before the cows come home....That doesn't mean they'll prevail...To all the open borders folks, I think your taxes should be raised to pay up to what it costs the states and U.S. Treasuries to support each one of your ethnically exempt from-the rules friendand families... How is this not fair? Company comes to town and stays at somebody's home...Why should the neighbors pick up the bills the host runs up for their stay???
Hey Jack,how many suits have been brought against cities in the US who have declared amnesty for illegals?Not many I am sure.What is wrong with this picture?
A big fat Zero. You keep hearing about illegals leaveing AZ because of the law. Along with them stores, companies, and resturaunts are leaving AZ too, beacuse they oppose the new law. Those businesses leave because there cheap labor force is being forced out. these companies depend on illegals for the cheap labor/undocumented labor to claim less taxes along with pay less then minimum wage to these people. Then again it is our politicians in washington that allow this to happen, they set the expample by accepting money's not earned just to help move laws. People do not go to washington to help the people anymore, they go to help themslves line their own pockets. AZ sees this and is fighting back trying to get JOBS back to its people. The on thing i see is we brought this on ourselves, the unemployment rate is around 10% nationally, funny thing is nationally undocumented workers is about 6%. Americans are getting too lazy to do the jobs they do so it is our fault too about this illegal immigration problem and there would not be a immigration problem if there was no jobs, that is all the come here for.
Arizona has gotten on the wrong side of the federal government trying to enforce immigration laws that have been neglected. The people of Arizona voted Governor Brewer in and they want their state back from the illegals that are an economic burden. The illegals have brought with them their own brand of dangerous gangs. It's time the states sue the federal government for not enforcing the law! The citizens of Arizona cannot feel safe when illegals have attacked Americans on their own land and killed them. Sounds like something out of the wild west, but it's not - this is 2010 and should be a civilized society. The argument might be made that some of the illegals are law abiding people, but are they? They committed a criminal act when they crossed the border to get here. Enough is enough – the federal government needs to wake up to the unfairness of having to support Mexicans who come here illegally and don't pay taxes.
I think as many as it takes because Arizona thinks it should be its own country. Russell Pearce who wrote SB1070 suggested Congress sever all ties with the United Nations. What a moron!. I live in Arizona, the governor and all her republican buddies lie all the time. All they do is stir up trouble for political gain. Sound familiar.
I think that the federal government has a duty to protect all of its citizens no matter what their national orgin. The greater question is how do we solve the problem, I think that to really deal with the problem, the states and federal government should look at those who would hire these people coming into the country improperly. If there were laws passed to attack these employers and view them as we view drug dealers and other criminals, then the availablity for work to illegals would diminish. We must be truthful about this, most illegals come to this nation for work, so if we hold the employers accountable and seize all property, monies, and businesses of the employers caught breaking these laws, and jail them as well, then we will kill this weed at its root, and all of the monies spent in court with the feds vs the state will be no more.
The federal government should file as many lawsuits against the state of Arizonia as neccessary to address the injustices that the state has inflicted against people of color. Arizonia has a history of racial discriminatory conduct, other human rights abuses and must be held accountable for its past and present actions against people of color.
Jack needs to, sounding like the "arrogance" that [even] a lot of Americans have found to be outrageous! Because Mrs. Brewer says it's wrong, does not make it wrong; after all, The United States of America is not above the law! If these things were happening in other countries, especially the ones you call "3rd world" countries; it'll be all over the news, and criticized! Civil and human rights violations do happen in this country...EVERYDAY! God is speaking...America needs to listen!