New Arizona Immigration Law - Fair or Foul?

Immigration is an important facet of America’s organization and structure as it always has been; after all it is the foundation of America’s existence. America was built on immigrants coming to find work, live the dream, and find a better life in general. Today, the immigration issue causes controversy in the political, economical, social and public forums. Personally, I feel that immigration was more “important” in the past, for the growth and development of our great country, but recently the issue has been gaining traction specifically during the economic turmoil our nation has faced of late.

The immigration issue has been spotlighted recently when Jan Brewer, the governor of Arizona, signed an immigration bill into law. The bill requires police officers to question people if they “have reason to suspect” they are in the United States illegally. It also requires legal immigrants to carry their alien registration documents at all times.

People that support the law say it may be a drastic measure, but it’s the only real measure that has been taken to defend our nation and its borders. They claim illegal immigrants are breaking laws every day, so giving police officers this capability can stop the problem on its forefront.

Everyone that is opposed trusts that this law gives officers the freedom to discriminate against anyone and stop him or her with “reasonable cause.” The opposition strongly believes that this law will open the floodgates for more like it. It is also believed that this law will further the race discrimination debate that has plagued this country for so long. There are many groups that are ready to take this law to the courts.

This is a very interesting and important issue that deserves to be in the limelight because it will affect everyone at some point. I’m sure this will be in the news for a long time to come.

-AAM