SB 1070

Most recently, Arizona had passed a new Immigration Law, would require immigrants to carry their alien registration documents at all times. Currently, officers can check someone's immigration status only if that person is suspected in another crime. It is estimated there are over 420,000 illegal immigrants in the state of Arizona, or don’t have papers. People smuggling and drugs main issue the state government is trying to deter. Both parties have their arguments to whether why or why not this law should be.

Democrats believe this will encourage racial profiling, which is specifically addressed in the law. Sec. 2. Title 11, chapter 7, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by 12 adding article 8, which you can read for yourself SB-1070. Republicans blame federal authorities for undermining the push for comprehensive immigration reform by failing to more effectively secure the Mexican border. Drug cartels are smuggling drugs and people across the border and states are left to defend for themselves.

This law grants law enforcement the right to help protect the Arizona citizens, and those of the United States, by being able to investigate individuals with reasonable suspicion. It requires officials and agencies of the state (law enforcement mainly) to fully comply with and assist in the enforcement of federal immigration laws. It establishes certain crimes involving trespassing by illegal aliens, stopping to hire or soliciting work under specified circumstances, and transporting, harboring or concealing unlawful aliens, and their respective penalties.
This law has fueled debate on both sides. It is being considered a racist bill by civil rights and immigrant-advocacy groups who are fueling the fire. There has been recent violence in the out lash by demonstrators. This is not a bill about Civil Liberties; it is about National Security and protection for the American Citizens. The borders in Arizona with Mexico are largely not patrolled. People, both American Citizens and Mexican Citizens, are being killed at an alarming rate because of drug and people smuggling. It should be very interesting to see what happens in the next few days.