By JYOTHI NATARAJAN and AMANDA VENDER
Thousands of people across the United States are protesting a new immigration law in Arizona. The law forces police officers to stop anyone who they think might be an undocumented immigrant (someone who has no legal permission to be in the United States) and ask to see proof that they are in the country legally. Immigrant rights groups say the new law is racist and is “racial profiling” because the police will target people based on their appearance.
There are approximately 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. For most undocumented immigrants, it is nearly impossible to become documented. You need to have a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident, or you need to be a professional worker with an employer who will sponsor you. And even with a sponsor, you may wait years, or even decades, to become a legal resident.
In late April, U.S. senators Charles Schumer (NY) and Lindsey Graham (SC) introduced a new proposal for immigration reform. The plan includes a way for undocumented immigrants to become documented. However, the senators say it would require immigrants “to admit they broke the law and to pay their debt to society by performing community service and paying fines and back taxes.” The plan would also require all workers in the United States to have a national ID card, and it would put more guards at the border. It is unlikely that the proposal will be voted on this year.
On May 1, International Workers’ Day, thousands of workers rallied in cities across the country for immigration reform and for immigrants’ and workers’ rights. Here’s what two kids at the rally in New York City had to say about immigrants in the United States:
- “They’re being unfair in treating these people. They’re coming here because conditions are terrible in their countries.” Kira Carleton, age 11
…
- “I think they should let people live here. It doesn’t matter what race they are. They shouldn’t make that law in Arizona.” Valerie Almendras, age 12
—-
See also: Take Action on Immigration!
You could not be more wrong in your article when you state that they are “forced to stop anyone who they think might be an undocukmented immigrant”. The new law specifically forbids that act. Only those who have been stopped for another legal violation may be asked for their proof of citizenship. PLEASE get your facts straight before telling our kids such things.
I see that I am not the only one who also finds this magazine has an agenda to put out half truths or out right lies. It is true that the law says no such thing and that millions of people agree with this law and are trying to have one passed in other states that follow the same guide lines. The issue is right or wrong and these illegals are breaking the law, its as simple as that.
As posted in the comments section of another IK article on the same basic issue, here is part of the text of the Arizona Senate Bill SB 1070:
Sec. 2. Title 11, chapter 7, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding article 8, to read:
ARTICLE 8. ENFORCEMENT OF IMMIGRATION LAWS
B. FOR ANY LAWFUL CONTACT MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR AGENCY
OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE WHERE REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS THAT THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE MADE, WHEN PRACTICABLE, TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE PERSON. THE PERSON’S IMMIGRATION STATUS SHALL BE VERIFIED WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PURSUANT TO 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 1373(c).
The full bill is at: http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/sb1070s.pdf