Posted on 10/05/2004 4:56:10 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
PHOENIX (AP) - Activists who say illegal immigrants are draining Arizona's coffers by fraudulently obtaining government services are pushing a ballot measure that could throw state workers in jail for turning a blind eye to such practices.
The measure in Arizona, the busiest illegal entry point on the U.S.-Mexico border, is the latest across the nation aimed at cracking down on illegal immigrants.
Opponents of the measure say it promotes racial profiling, and insist it would do nothing to stop fraud.
Supporters maintain Arizona spends hundreds of millions annually to provide food stamps, welfare and other social services to illegal immigrants who slip through the cracks using fake documents - or when sympathetic clerks and social workers look the other way.
Kathy McKee, director of the group sponsoring Proposition 200, said elected officials have created a system that is fraught "with the opportunity for fraud."
"Our government has opened the gates and put up a 'welcome here' sign," she said. "The villain in all of this is our government."
Although the measure is opposed by Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a poll this week showed nearly two-thirds of registered Arizona voters support it.
So far, the issue has gotten much attention. Both sides say they are preparing to launch ad campaigns as the election draws closer.
Under the measure, government workers would face a $750 fine and up to four months in jail for failing to report when people illegally apply for government aid. The measure also requires people to produce proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
Opponents include immigrant rights groups and representatives of hospitals, unions and fire departments. They cite the high cost of enforcing the measure and say it will prove intrusive and burdensome, requiring people to carry multiple forms of identification for everyday tasks, preventing them from registering for government services online and resulting in long lines for social services.
They also believe it could create health risks. Rescue workers fear vaccines would not be given out carte blanche because they would need to see identification first. The measure does not affect things like emergency care or education.
"It's like poisoning our own well to prevent people from drinking our water," said Capt. Billy Shields, president of the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association.
Masavi Perea, a 29-year-old undocumented immigrant who has lived in Phoenix for 10 years, has been visiting local communities to try to educate residents about the measure. He said the measure is similar to the Jim Crow laws that were used against blacks.
"Immigrants are the foundation of this country," Perea said.
Election officials would not face the same punishment as other government workers. Rather, more precautions to prevent voter fraud would be put in place, such as requiring people to submit copies of their birth certificate or present naturalization records when they register. Now, they just have to write the information on their applications.
"To me, voting is something that is very precious. I don't want my vote canceled by someone who isn't legally here," McKee said.
Arizona's decision will have a lasting effect, perhaps mobilizing the Hispanic community here the way a similar measure did in California in 1994, Merrill said. Voters passed California's Proposition 187, but it was challenged in court and never took effect. Still, it alienated many Hispanic voters from the Republican Party.
"The long-term consequences are huge," Merrill said.
The Arizona measure is likely to face lawsuits, too.
I'M AN ARIZONA VOTER who will definitely VOTE "YES" on 200 to begin turning the tide on our illegal problem...YES, YES, YES on 200!!!
YOU GO LEAH!
Go AZ.
I agree with the proposals 100%, but I find I must be the skunk at the garden party here...
There is NO WAY that the black-robed Nazgul that sit in judgement will EVER allow this to become law...see Louisiana and MexiCali for proof of how the "will of the people" is regularly thrown out in favor of LIEberal agendas...
Mark my words, this will be thrown out if it passes vote!
Me, too. I plan on voting YES, as well.
will win by 70%
of course, the 9th circuit will overturn it
Do you believe U.S. homeland security is possible without control over its borders?
Yes 5% 263 votes
No 95% 4578 votes
Total: 4841 votes
http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/lou.dobbs.tonight/
I read today that the house has voted to break up the 9th circuit into 3 blocks. Of course the Senate will never stand for it. Time to talk to those gentlemen!
I wish they would split up the 9th circuit...it may well happen with the population growth of the West....maybe a try next cycle after 4-8 more Senate seats belong to the GOP.
I got my absentee ballot yesterday and voted YES! on 200 and voted NO! to John McCain.
I always thought vaccination programs were a Federal benefit (because of my military background?) and as such would not be affected by Prop 200.
Prop 200 only denies Arizona State benefits to illegals.
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And what is wrong with requiring proof of citizenship before registering to vote? /Major sarcasm!
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