Arizona's Immigration Law - One Giant Step Backwards for Mankind?
Posted: Tuesday, April 27, 2010
by Jennifer Stewart
Stepping out of History
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has been heard to say that one of the main reasons for Arizona's "immigration law" is that she talks to a lot of new businesses wanting to sink roots into Arizona. The first question they ask her is will their businesses and their employees be safe? Safe from who and safe from what the Governor didn't specify. The second question these new businesses allegedly ask is will their employees be able to enjoy the same quality of life they've had wherever they are coming from?
That sounds sensible. We all want to support people who have respect for their employees, who want to make sure that their lifestyle is protected. But let's be real for a minute, shall we? Even if the businesses are asking that question (which I doubt) all that heart-felt philanthropy is just lip-service PR.
The bottom line they want to get clear about is "how much is it going to cost?" and "how much profit can we make?" Which pretty much means "how much is labor, how expensive is it to live in Arizona, how much does my wife have to pay somebody to clean our house?" Probably the question businessmen are not asking, but want to know the answer to, is "how many illegal immigrants can we garner so we can pay them diddly squat - in our business and at home?" The ugly truth is that wherever there's cheap, easily exploitable labor, new businesses flock. The even uglier truth is that these often very hard-working, courageous people are treated like dirt by those whose lifestyle they support.
In a world where so many people are struggling and fighting for equality, peace and just downright human respect, this law seems frighteningly antediluvian. It reminds me of the dark days in Apartheid South Africa, when Blacks had to carry a "passbook" identity papers - if they were in a white neighborhood. Because they were Black. No other reason. Talking about real reasons here. It wasn't about protecting communities, it was about skin color and shamelessly protecting a status quo. Black people could be arrested if they didn't have papers - and they were. Beaten up, raped.
But back to Arizona. One sees the parallels. Fortunately, there is a lot of opposition. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon is allegedly preparing to file a lawsuit to block a law he calls racist. President Barack Obama has ordered a Justice Department review of the civil rights implications of the new law. Republican Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., in a letter to President Obama, begged the Administration not to support Arizona in what he considers a "serious overstep of state authority in federal issues."
But he would say that, wouldn't he, he's probably Mexican. Phil Gordon isn't, though. Nor are many of the people protesting violently against this law. Come to think of it, nor is Barack Obama, who acknowledged that the federal government needs to focus more attention in reforming national immigration laws, because not doing so "open[s] the door to irresponsibility by others. That includes, for example, the recent efforts in Arizona, which threaten to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe," (Yahoo News, Apr. 23).
Mexican President Calderoin and Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Patricia Espinosa have also jointly condemned the law. Mexican government members of all political parties apparently called to boycott Arizona economically.
There are apparently 460 000 illegal immigrants in Arizona currently. How many of these people are working at slave wages to sustain the current Arizona lifestyle? Can't have it both ways, guys.
Pfc. Jose Medina came to America as an illegal immigrant from Mexico when he was two years old. When he was eleven, he finally got a green card. He now considers himself an American. Rightfully. He is one. He feels so strongly about his country, and is so grateful for having found a home, that he wanted to defend it. He joined the army. He sadly spoke of how when people have asked him where he's from he has always said with pride "the great state of Arizona". Now he isn't sure what he will say, and he doesn't feel so proud. He realizes that he soon he could be fighting for his country in Afghanistan, in Iraq - risking his life for the very people who will have the right to stop his mother in the street and harass her.
Just because she looks Mexican. No other reason at all. And he can return from having fought bravely, but as soon as he takes his uniform off, he's just another Mexican who can be harassed as easily as his mother. Whose civil rights can be outright violated, because he was born in Mexico.
Can there be any doubt in any sane person's mind that this law has originated in prejudice and will be abused by those who have power and who have an agenda that has nothing to do with the preservation of law, order and justice? Can anyone doubt that this is one giant step backwards for mankind?
The bottom line they want to get clear about is "how much is it going to cost?" and "how much profit can we make?" Which pretty much means "how much is labor, how expensive is it to live in Arizona, how much does my wife have to pay somebody to clean our house?" Probably the question businessmen are not asking, but want to know the answer to, is "how many illegal immigrants can we garner so we can pay them diddly squat - in our business and at home?" The ugly truth is that wherever there's cheap, easily exploitable labor, new businesses flock. The even uglier truth is that these often very hard-working, courageous people are treated like dirt by those whose lifestyle they support.
In a world where so many people are struggling and fighting for equality, peace and just downright human respect, this law seems frighteningly antediluvian. It reminds me of the dark days in Apartheid South Africa, when Blacks had to carry a "passbook" identity papers - if they were in a white neighborhood. Because they were Black. No other reason. Talking about real reasons here. It wasn't about protecting communities, it was about skin color and shamelessly protecting a status quo. Black people could be arrested if they didn't have papers - and they were. Beaten up, raped.
But back to Arizona. One sees the parallels. Fortunately, there is a lot of opposition. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon is allegedly preparing to file a lawsuit to block a law he calls racist. President Barack Obama has ordered a Justice Department review of the civil rights implications of the new law. Republican Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., in a letter to President Obama, begged the Administration not to support Arizona in what he considers a "serious overstep of state authority in federal issues."
But he would say that, wouldn't he, he's probably Mexican. Phil Gordon isn't, though. Nor are many of the people protesting violently against this law. Come to think of it, nor is Barack Obama, who acknowledged that the federal government needs to focus more attention in reforming national immigration laws, because not doing so "open[s] the door to irresponsibility by others. That includes, for example, the recent efforts in Arizona, which threaten to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe," (Yahoo News, Apr. 23).
Mexican President Calderoin and Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Patricia Espinosa have also jointly condemned the law. Mexican government members of all political parties apparently called to boycott Arizona economically.
There are apparently 460 000 illegal immigrants in Arizona currently. How many of these people are working at slave wages to sustain the current Arizona lifestyle? Can't have it both ways, guys.
Pfc. Jose Medina came to America as an illegal immigrant from Mexico when he was two years old. When he was eleven, he finally got a green card. He now considers himself an American. Rightfully. He is one. He feels so strongly about his country, and is so grateful for having found a home, that he wanted to defend it. He joined the army. He sadly spoke of how when people have asked him where he's from he has always said with pride "the great state of Arizona". Now he isn't sure what he will say, and he doesn't feel so proud. He realizes that he soon he could be fighting for his country in Afghanistan, in Iraq - risking his life for the very people who will have the right to stop his mother in the street and harass her.
Just because she looks Mexican. No other reason at all. And he can return from having fought bravely, but as soon as he takes his uniform off, he's just another Mexican who can be harassed as easily as his mother. Whose civil rights can be outright violated, because he was born in Mexico.
Can there be any doubt in any sane person's mind that this law has originated in prejudice and will be abused by those who have power and who have an agenda that has nothing to do with the preservation of law, order and justice? Can anyone doubt that this is one giant step backwards for mankind?
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More commentsI thinkyou paint a distorted picture. You do not mention some important facts. It's progressive, left wing slanderWell I can't agree with you on that, Friend Jack, and I respect that you have a different point of view, but I also want to point out that in your story about the man who killed himself you didn't present both sides. You presented the side that you wanted the world to know about. Which was your right.
Friend Jennifer
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I think the better the protection, the safer our country will be.Thanks for reading, Jenn.
Far too many of you read hateful things into this move and call it racist and anything else you care to. What is wrong is these people are after ILLEGALS.How can one be racist if he welcomes the same people who are here legally? I think the governor did the only thing that can be right."Far too many of you" - which group of people are you referring to, Anonymous? And I don't know why you won't identify yourself.the funny thing i hear you speak of fairness.. life is NOT fair.. get over it.. these people want a better life?? let them work to better thier country instead of sucking this one dry..I'm leaving this comment, because it only exposes you. Why won't you say who you are - are you ashamed of yourself?
Nicely put Jennifer, it is always about the bottom line with most businesses rather than what they can actually do to help people...wouldn't it be nice to if they understood enhancing someones life enhances their bottom line...sighhh.It would be nice, Lynnette. I suspect business just isn't the arena where that happens. I'll join you in a big sigh :) Thanks for reading and for your support.
I am not sure that I agree with everything in this article but I give it high marks because it really says something. I get tired of reading fluff in these articles and this lady does not put us to sleep with fluff. I also like that she says what she has to say and then signs off. Good writing!This is a very nice stroke, thanks Robert!!
Right on Jennifer! I like the way you tell it like it is- Well informed- well written article- Always- EllaThanks, Ella. It's so strange, some people have really hated this article! I appreciate your support.J
HI Jennifer, nicely done. I believe illegal immigrants should have to become a legal citizen - but I believe it should be for all illegals, not just Mexicans. The city I currently live in has been turned into China - No exageration. There are many illegal Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese here and no body bothers them. They can't speak english and all the businesses through town have asian writing with very few buildings written in English.(oops, back to Arizona) The biggest problem with this law is it targets the Mexicans. I agree we need laws, but how about sensible ones?! Like not issuing driver's Licenses or giving tax brakes to anyone who is not a US Citizen, or in the process of trying to become one.My son goes to school in Arizona and we jokingly told him to do his best not to look brown - however, this is no laughing matter. This law needs some serious work.I completely understand wanting to come here for a better life, I would, my great grandfather did. He worked hard on a farm. For peanuts. But he saved and learned the language and became a legal citizen. There has to be a way to find some balance in all of this.Thanks again! Blessings to you! TeresaI love your ideas, Teresa. Re immigrants, I find it hard to accept that a person should be prohibited from seeking a better, more meaningful, more nurturing life because of the color of their skin or their nationality. As to sensible laws and a balance - yessss!you find it hard to accept.?? nobody is denying them anything.. they didnt ask.. they took it.. send them home and let them try it legally.. If someone was breaking into your home, I seriously doubt you would welcome them in and sit them down for tea and crumpets, while discussing the fairness of where they were born.. I doubt that you would even ask where they came from.. you would and should be concerned with the safety of your family and yourself..These peoples (mexican,Chinese, Korean.. whatever they are, have broken into our home.. can't you see that?Teresa hits the problem with this law squarely on the head. It was made with a hidden animosity against Mexicans, specifically, rather than an authentic desire to control illegal entry, in general. Like Teresa pointed out, other immigrants, especially European immigrants, will not be asked for their papers. A law conceived by closed minded people.Hi Walter, this is exactly my point. Thanks for reading. I think Arizona iss in for even harder times as we have seen on the news lately, many big organizations and conventions have been cancelled. People are already being layed off of work because tourism is going to drop based on the number of cancellations many hotels are receiving. It's a sad thing.Hopefully Texas, Ohio and three other state will pass similar legislation and be forerunners in fight to force enforcement of laws that are already on the books. Mainly the law that prohibits people from crossing our borders illegally not just from mexico, but from anywhereI live in Texas and I don't see them doing this any time soon. At least not in this form. That is why you will notice that our Governor Rick Perry, who is a full on Tea Party Conservative is not opening his mouth when he is in a fairly close race for reelection in November.
The problem is this law is punitive toward ANYONE who has a certain color of skin or anyone who has a certain style of clothing. Texas has a large legal population of immigrants from all over the world with all shades of skin color. Not to mention it's equally large population of Hispanics who were here on this soil LONG before any Anglo people showed up. There is no way for law enforcement to legitimately know who "looks" illegal. For this law to work, EVERY person will be required to carry a US passport, certified birth certificate or immigration papers on them at all times or they will be held in jail until a family member can come and prove citizenship. That's beyond ridiculous.Furthermore, since this law requires police officers to investigate illegal immigration issues first before other crimes, this is a nightmare for an already stretched thin police force such as the one in Houston.
Does the border need better security? Yes. Do we need a better way to deal with those who want to work in this country legitimately? Absolutely. Will Arizona's law deal with either of those issues effectively? Definitely not.I agree with you Jean. Thanks for giving your input here.
So informative..I really felt educated about the present scenario about the arizona's immigration law...would love to read more of such stuff! Keep writing... :)Thanks Reshma, I shall - keep writing, I mean!
I agree with you Jennifer. The law is going to do more harm than good. Fortunately, it will also do more harm to the people who put it into place, not realizing they, too, have to pay the consequences of their own actions. Arizona isn't looking too promising these days.I think you're absolutely right, Walter. The problem is that it fosters anger and more prejudice, and everybody gets caught in the crossfire.
She is really stupid.. ALL these people are criminals.. no matter the reason for coming they broke the law PERIOD.. and now they want protection? get realWhat's really stupid is your ad hominem, and your classifying a whole group of people as criminal. Jennifer is obviously touching some nerves that resent their ignorance being exposed.I wonder what was ever done to you that you are so angry and filled with hate.And have you broken the speed limit today? Then I guess you are a criminal. You broke the law. PERIOD. Get real yourself.Actually, Jacob, my car broke down some time ago and I haven't had the resources to fix it. But when I drive I stay within the speed limit.Thanks for identifying yourself.
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