Arizona seeking to criminalize undocumented immigrants

[Jeanfromfillmore]

Arizona seeking to criminalize undocumented immigrants
Over But Not Out posted this in Fresh Juice, immigration, mexico on January 27th, 2010
It looks like Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s position on immigration is prevailing in Arizona…
KNX news reported today that the Legislature in Arizona is considering a law dealing with unlawful immigration even though the control of our borders is a federal responsibility. The radio story quoted an Arizona legislator as pointing out that the border with Mexico is both a federal and a state border.
The proposed law would declare that illegal immigrants in Arizona are trespassing in Arizona and thus criminalize illegal status per state law. Persons found in the State illegally would be prosecuted as a trespasser.
The report did not say whether such trespassing would be a misdemeanor or a felony, or what the punishment for conviction might be. It did say that Jan Brewer, the Governor of Arizona has said that if the Legislature passes such a bill she will sign it.
Most of us think that when you break the law you have committed some kind of crime. With our border control laws, however, that has not seemed to be the case. Arizona seeks to change that.

http://orangejuiceblog.com/2010/01/a...ange+Juice!%29

[Twoller]

I am not convinced. "Illegal immigrants" are already criminals. Any effort to "criminalize" illegal immigrants only plays into the argument that they are not criminals already and may even have that purpose.

[Jeanfromfillmore]

Originally Posted by Twoller

I am not convinced. "Illegal immigrants" are already criminals. Any effort to "criminalize" illegal immigrants only plays into the argument that they are not criminals already and may even have that purpose.

I don't agree.

[Twoller]

Originally Posted by Jeanfromfillmore

I don't agree.

Why can't Arizona just enforce federal laws? Why do they need to create a new law about "trespassing" in Arizona? That doesn't sound silly to you? Arizona is certainly subject to federal law. Why can't Arizona prosecute illegals for being illegal under federal law?

[Jeanfromfillmore]

Originally Posted by Twoller

Why can't Arizona just enforce federal laws? Why do they need to create a new law about "trespassing" in Arizona? That doesn't sound silly to you? Arizona is certainly subject to federal law. Why can't Arizona prosecute illegals for being illegal under federal law?

Because many states just use the excuse that it's a federal law and it's the federal governments responsibility for enforce it. That is exactly what we heard at the Santa Clarita City Council meeting on Tuesday. It gives states and local cities and counties a way out of dealing with the issue.

[usa today]

Actually Arizona could enforce the federal immigration laws , they could tell the feds to kiss off and arrest and deport them , they can do a lot of things

Keep in mind , just like in several states they still have a lot of symp libs crying over their poor illegals.

They are trying to get tougher within a workable framework though

I really do think if JD Hayworth pushes the illegal issue he can take out
McMoron.

JD is a pretty likable guy and he has some smarts , If he handles this right he can win.