Posted on 04/14/2010 1:35:43 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Immigrant rights groups Wednesday slammed Arizona lawmakers after they approved a bill which will allow police officers to determine whether suspects are in the United States legally.
Arizona's House of Representatives passed the bill by a margin of 35 votes to 21 during a session on Tuesday, the legislature's website showed, mirroring a similar measure passed by the border state's Senate earlier this year.
The bill will now proceed to Arizona's Republican Governor Jan Brewer to be signed into law.
The bill makes it a misdemeanor offense for an individual to lack proper immigration paperwork and also allows police officers to determine someone's immigration status if they believe he or she could be an illegal immigrant.
Currently police can only ask about an individual's immigration status if they are suspected of involvement in another crime.
However critics say the bill will transform Arizona into a "police state" and even sections of law enforcement have voiced fears it could harm relations between police and the immigrant community.
Chris Newman, Legal Director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, which campaigns on behalf of day laborers in the United States, called on Governor Brewer to veto the bill, which he described as "odious" and "unwise."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
If the Governor signs it into law I may move back to Arizona.
A step in the right direction
Does this mean that as an American citizen, I have to carry my papers if I travel to Arizona?
Couldn’t the article just as well have reported on happiness over the law?
Oh no, it’s so mean to enforce the law. We are angry.
Waaaahhhhh.....
It’s not fair that I can no longer come into the United States illegally. I thought we were free to illegally do what we want.
Send them packing and put up a fence to keep them out!
The correct headline should be:
“Joy as Arizona lawmakers pass immigration bill”
Sad that a border state has to try and enforce the U.S. border and the law because the national government won’t.
Plus, as an added bonus, you might get the opportunity to vote against McCain!
Did I read that right?
It’s a “misdemeanor”?
They’re breaking federal law - deport them.
I think the happiness far outweighs the anger. I don’t live in Az, but it’s even obvious to me.
for the first time in my life, i’m proud of my state! (just kidding)
in spite of all the bad stuff happening nationally, this is great news...i’m thrilled with this legislation and the constitutional carry legislation...way to go AZ!
“a misdemeanor offense “
Ya mean. like jaywalking?
Arizona is racist? Who’d a thunk it?
I choose their definition of "Police State" over "Mexican State" any day.
“Immigrant rights groups Wednesday slammed Arizona lawmakers after they approved a bill which will allow police officers to determine whether suspects are in the United States legally.”
Yeah, can’t have the cops determining if they are lawbreakers or not.
All members of the so called “immigrant rights” groups should be immediately deported to their country of origin or ancestor’s origin.
I think this will not much impact those who speak english as a first language.
Making ILLEGALS return to their LEGAL home.
An outrageous idea in our age of lawlessness.
BTW, I don't believing in splitting up families either.
Allow the ILLEGAL ones to take the whole family back with them. Then they won't be split up.
GOOD for Arizona. God willing, the American people are getting upset enough to do something about illegals invading and infesting our country.
If you drive there, you'd be obligated to possess a driver's license. Same as if you went to Mexico (where travel insurance and a passport for return would be required too).
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