I had a friend who isn't into politics, but would say that Bush's goal was to enact martial law over the country. I told her she was not based in reality. But this new law in Arizona gives the police exactly that type of power -- at least, if you look somewhat "brown."
I know it'll be targeted at Latinos, but I wouldn't doubt that it'll be used on anyone in sight if they happen to have a bug up their ass about you.
It’s being called the toughest crackdown on illegal immigration in the country. A bill requiring police to determine if a person is in the U.S. legally is expected to be signed into law by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.
Immigration advocate Isabel Garcia says the bill “legalizes racial profiling.” The author of the bill, state Senator Russell Pearce, says illegal is not a race – it’s a crime. Under the bill, police would be required to question anyone they suspect of being undocumented. The bill also targets those who hire illegal immigrant day laborers or knowingly transport them. Immigration advocates fear the Arizona legislation will set a precedent for other states.
Do you walk around with your passport in your pocket?
This Arizona law would be less crazy, though still offensively bad, if we actually, you know, had "papers," but we really don't. Lots of people don't have passports, and no one carries them around. Birth certificates are generally locked away somewhere.
Here's Sen. Pearce on FOX with Megan Kelly:
AZ Sen. Pearce: "'Illegal' Is Not A Race - It's A Crime."
Media Matters fact checks the new bill and gives us a full rundown: It Could Soon Be Illegal To Be In Arizona Without The Proper Paperwork
John McCain, who is fighting for his political life just loves the bill and he tried to pass immigration reform back when he called himself a "maverick."
Clarissa Martinez De Castro writes: We Need Progress, Not Profiling in Arizona
America's Voice has partnered with a ton of groups including the Border Action Network to collect signatures that demand Jan Brewer to veto the bill:
The anti-immigrant bill passed the AZ Legislature, and is now under consideration by Governor Jan Brewer. Community and faith leaders representing Arizona and the country will offer prayers and deliver more than 50,000 petitions calling on Governor Jan Brewer to veto the legislation.
