LatinaLista — Maybe it was the fact that the Arizona senate passed SB 1070 and are only waiting for Arizona Governor Brewer to sign it into law — or do nothing and have it pass into law anyway.
Or maybe it was the fact that Sen. McCain abandoned his long-held position on immigration and decided, for political reasons, to endorse SB 1070. Or it could have been the public scolding he got in the Huffington Post piece penned by Illinois Rep. Luis Gutierrez.
Two of the nine protesters who chained themselves to the Capitol’s doors in protest of SB 1070. (Photo source: Phoenix New Times)
Whatever the source, President Obama seems to have gotten the message that as long as Congress and his administration put immigration reform on the backburner, the chasm of racial tension in this country is only going to get deeper — and potentially deadly violent.
That concern to head off any further volatility, fueled by states adopting their own immigration laws, may have been the motivation for Pres. Obama to call the Senate’s newest member today, Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown. Not to chitchat but to tell him to get ready — Democrats will be moving forward with immigration reform in a month.
“He called me originally about illegal immigration, something that he wanted me to look at that was coming down the pike,” Brown says of the call, which also roamed onto other topics like basketball and financial regulation. “I told him and others that I will read anything and make a judgment when it comes forth.”
Alluding to the issue a few minutes later, Brown clarified what he told Obama. “When I said I have an open mind, it means I have an open mind to read the bill,” he said. “That doesn’t mean that I will vote for granting amnesty to anyone. But I want to be respectful to the president and to any member who brings me a proposal.”
If Brown means what he says then he’s bucking his own party’s strategy for avoiding the immigration issue. It’s good to hear that he has an open mind and no one assumes that an open mind is a code word for a yes vote.
Yet, an open mind means staying open to discussions to move the issue along and not stall it with deception or intentional mischaracterizations. That kind of behavior has been the pathetic hallmark of GOP senators from U.S.-Mexico border states.
Of all the states in the country, these border states are the ones that desperately need immigration reform so that border security can be tackled as it relates to cartel border violence.
Immigration reform means putting a face to every person that now hides in the shadows so law enforcement can know for sure who belongs and who doesn’t; who’s intent to commit crime and who just wants to work.
If it took SB 1070 for Obama to act, what will it take to get these GOP senators to understand that their inaction and indifference to resolving the status of large segments of residents in their home states is contributing to the insecurity of not just the border but the safety of everyone.
Comment(62)
Cohen
The time for immigration is NOW! Not tomorrow, not next year! Show up on May 1 to remind the elected officials that if they don’t pass immigration reform by the end of the year, they will be severely punished come November! And Obama must lead!
cassidy
“That kind of behavior has been the pathetic hallmark of GOP senators from U.S.-Mexico border states.”
Brown is just being polite. He would have to pull a flip-flop on this issue as he campaigned on no amnesty. Doing so now would isolate him from the GOP mainstream and put him in the dog house when the Republicans take the Senate and House in the fall. He would be persona non grata, having no committee positions, effectively being put on the back bench and made irrelevant. There’s no way that Brown will side with Obama on any amnesty. You’re hallucinating again, Marisa.
“Of all the states in the country, these border states are the ones that desperately need immigration reform so that border security can be tackled as it relates to cartel border violence.”
The children have to be guided by the great wisdom of the self-serving advocacy groups. How righteously paternalistic. However, the border states have shown a total hostility towards anything but enforcement. Your side seems to think that the state of Arizona would accept a federal imposition without extreme political opposition. I find your willingness to put the welfare of illegal aliens before the sovereign rights of Arizonans and their democratic will to be anti-patriotic. Besides, there is no connection between amnesty and border enforcement, except to advocates who are blinded to lack of logic by their emotions. Using the argument that such exists would appear to be extortion, as Arizona has the right to security without being forced to accept amnesty. The latter does not have to be done to attain the former. Undermine the will of Arizona’s electorate now and you’ll have a riot in that state. Obama cannot afford to antagonize citizens, 72 percent of which oppose amnesty, and almost 1 in 10 are losing out to jobs to illegal aliens. Again, you’re side is being irrational.
“Immigration reform means putting a face to every person that now hides in the shadows so law enforcement can know for sure who belongs and who doesn’t; who’s intent to commit crime and who just wants to work.’
CIR doesn’t come close to putting a face to everyone living in the shadows. The criminal element among the illegal aliens will never come forward and risk arrest and deportation. I can see them all answering a survey which asks them what their intent is. Question 1: Are you here to pray on your fellow Mexican nationals, or here to work? And it will be just as before. Many will submit forged documents and the taxpayers will pay billions to set up a bureaucracy to verify their claims, an impossible task to make fool-proof.
I’m sorry, but what you are asking is extremely unfair to the taxpaying citizens and those who have applied in according to our rules. CIR is dead because no politician is going to risk alienating their constituency under the current political and economic climate.
Dave Bennion
I am skeptical, we’ve heard before that action would be just around the corner, but then more important events intervened, unforeseen contingencies, yada yada ya–
Still no bill. Still Dems trying to convince us that talking about action constitutes action.
This will play out in November when the political left rewards inaction with inaction and stays home on election day.
Chicano future tense
The amazing shrinking carrot or How to kick the carrot habit
Once again we are hearing more mutterings and murmurings emanating from the rahm emanuel administration..err..more commonly known as the obama adminstration.
In my minds eye off in the distance upon the stage of the theatre of my mind I see a ballet dancer dressed in a sequined tutu matching white leotards..this ballet dancer is nimbly whirling and performing pirouettes,leaping about.Who is that he is tossing up and twirling in a baton-like fashion?
Why it’s none other than president obama!!
After setting the prez back down on the stage…the prez still dizzy and giddy with the twirling thrill finally catches his breath.We see rahm the ballet guy whispering something into obamas ear..we also see rahms finger waving and pointing at obama as if instructing a 5 year old child on proper etiquette and ballet manners.Our very speciallly designed Chicano ft microphone picks up the very private conversation..let’s listen in..
“Look barry..those pesky annoying Mexicans are breathing down our neck again and threatening to stir up some s..t for us this November.We have to shovel them more BS for their consumption .ya know the same old thing we have always done to get them off our back..
Let’s see..I have a really close pal named Jonathan Weisman who works over there at the WSJ..he’ll spin the hell out of anything I ask..he’s our man over there..
Let’s fool the mexicans again..we’ll keep running em just like we always have..
Call some high profile republican dope and use him as a foil..let’s see someone like scott brown will do just fine..call him and tell him were really really really (honest to God) gonna get behind and push immigration reform..just don’t laugh and blow it as you’re talking to him ok..
My pal Jon Wesiman will pick up the story and run with it big time..
Of course the mexicans will fall for it (again)..they always do..you see it’s a “two ferâ€..we keep the carrot dangling,build plausible deniability plus keep their people chafing at the bit for more munchy carrots..get em hooked real good on those delicious orange veggies..
Hell,if that fails we’ll do what we did to that sap dennis kucinich..we’ll invite the whole Latino leadership load-up a bunch of mexican leaders on airforce one for a little ride..we’ll serve free tacos and tequila for lunch on board..we’ll have em eating out of our hands like purring pussycats..it will be like taking candy from a baby..â€
I think you get the moral of my little story..
Emma
Immigration reform must be enacted before the Nov elections because there will be no majority for immigration reform in the new Congress. Inaction means catastrophe for the immigrant community as the current enforcement only approach continues.
cookie
Who belongs here and who doesn’t? Neither someone working here illegally or someone here illegally and committing a serious crime “belongs here”. We have immigration laws that must be respected and anyone who doesn’t must go home. Arizona is just the tip of the iceburg. Other states will be following suit with enforcement.
Neither Obama or Brown are going to push an CIR agenda that includes amnesty for these immigration violators. Might as well give up your dream now.
Texan123
Does anyone really believe that potential terrorists and evil minded criminals will come out of hiding in the shadows to register for Reform? How will we know if the false documents submitted by criminals, expert at document fraud, will receive legal status?
The background check process if full of holes. The cost associated with processing millions of applicants is staggering. Not to mention the follow up. What will we do with those who may not qualify for legal status? Will we round them up for deportation, even if they have children here?
What about millions of unemployed citizens who need jobs? Is it fair to flood the job market with more workers?
It seems strange to me that the pro amnesty groups can threaten the U.S. government with deadlines and threats of violence and the government gives in to the demands. But when taxpayers threaten tax revolts and to fight to preserve our Constitutional freedoms, they are right wing extremists and a danger to national security.
Marissa, you have refused to post several of my comments. Are you afraid to post views that make logical sense, or are you intentionally slanting the comments to support your personal views.
Jolly Roger
I’m looking forward to this debate. Let’s have it NOW, so that the Rushpubliscums can be seen with their white sheets flapping in the wind. It’ll also serve to remind us all how important voting in November is.
jt
why dont we just abide by the us constitution
Fred Yarvin
Hispanics and hispanics alone brought this bill on themselves. Perhaps they need to take a good, long look at themselves in the mirror and reflect on the financial and community destruction they’ve waged on this country.
irma
The failure of Barak Obama to have the Attorney General of the United States strike down enforcement of the Arizona bill, should be more than enough to convince
all Americans (including Latinos) that
he is not a defender of civil liberties.
If he does nothing, I will leave the Democratic party and register as an independent.
Marisa Treviño
Fred, Why do you assume all Hispanics in this country have only recently arrived? In AZ, as in all the states, especially in the Southwest, the majority of Hispanics have been here for generations. How do you tell an undocumented immigrant from one that has been here for several generations?
cookie
Marisa, no the majority of Hispanics have not been here for generations. If the stats are correct and there are actually 20 million illegal aliens in our country most of whom are Hispanics then that would be false. Even if there are only 10 million Hispanics here illegally many of them had children born on our soil only within the past 20 years or so.
The balance of the total of 40 million Hispanics in this country are comprised of legal immigrants or those who became citizens in the past few decades. Your math is way off.
sara velasco
Did you hear this gems in this interview?
“$3 billion dollars is the cost to the state of Arizona to educate, medicate and incarcerate illegal aliens.”
WOW! I am amazed and scared of this man. Let’s hope he humiliates the neo-nazis and racist faction of the GOP so thouroughly that it will be an embarassment to ever say the words “illegal alien” again when referring to another human being.
Big O
We are all immigrants. The differnce is the majority arrived here legally. So why should the ones you went through the process legimatly be told to stand by while others continue to ignore the laws of America. There is no possiblity that everyone who comes to America illigally is under some kind of duress that doesn’t allow them time to go through the legitimate process. So, answer me why illigal immigration should be tolerated?
Maria Zubarnava
let’s leave the good people
and the criminals we can send it back to the border
and we’ll see how many will stay to pay taxes and
obey our laws.
sound like a good plan to me!!
Joop deBruin
As a legal immigrant, I am very happy that Arizona SB1070 is now law. The racist bating from Hispanics has been very helpful in demonstrating that many Hispanics believe that they are above the law. It’s all about MEChA and the Aztlan Nation and the defeat of American multiculturalism.
Aunque hablo español, escribo esto en inglés porque soy orgulloso de mi nuevo paÃs de orÃgen.
Marisa Treviño
Cookie, you amaze me sometimes. I won’t take the time to respond to this absurd answer because, frankly, it’s a waste of my time.
Michael
I usually don’t post my opinion on sites, but seeing that law passed today really bothers me. I don’t think immigration should be a political issue, but rather a logical one.
I am one of these people whose family arrived here hundreds of years ago. But the fact is that the majority of us are immigrants, the only difference between us being a matter of arrival date. The fact that I was born in the US and am a legal citizen is just pure luck. I did nothing to deserve being born on this side of the border. My ancestors arrived when there was no one at the border to declare them “illegal”.
I am not going to argue the economic benefits of immigration on this country. If you really want the facts, I recommend you do a web search on a British magazine called The Economist (under the title of Migration from a couple of years back –its 14 pages of research that was done by a group that has more background than you or I to analyze the reality of the situation). If you find the article and read it, you will realize that at an economic level, the position of being anti-immigrant is not really a defensible one.
All of the recently arrived Hispanic immigrants that I have had the privilege of meeting in the US tend to be good, hard working people. We can label them as being “criminal” not deserving of “amnesty”, but the reality is that they are not.
So only you can decide why you are anti-immigrant. Only you can do the self analysis to figure out why you feel this way.
There are several times in our history when our laws did not live up to the morals that we profess in this country. I can think of slavery and segregation as being two of those periods.
I would also argue that laws that don’t promote this country as the “Land of Opportunity”, that separate moms from their kids just because the kids were born here and their moms were not, and that encourage law enforcement personnel (who have enough to do as it is) to stop people and question them for id just because they have a Hispanic background — I would argue that those types of laws don’t live up to our morals.
I think that, 10-20 years from now, we will look back on this period of time with the same shame that we have towards slavery and segregation. I hope that we will all do some self analysis, decide not to be complacent, and vote against the type of law that was passed today in Arizona, and the politicians that promote them.
Kat Cadieux
thank God for this bill!, I came here through proper and legal channels, so should people coming from the south. Tey would really hate Our Canadien/Canadian Immigration laws. 1st, you have to speak one of Our Legal Languages (French/Français or/ou Anglais/English. 2nd, you have to show proof of a job and or a sponsor that will vouch for you well-being for the next five years or until you can acquire citizen status. 3rd, you can NOT have a felony or criminal record at all, You can NOT even enter the country with a record, that law alone would of saved a Hispanic-American woman that was shot and killed along with her whole family in Queen Creek. The man was a illegal and had a criminal record in his home country. When terrorist start crossing and start killing, then maybe something can be passed the everyone could agree on. The USA gets taken advantage of more than ever, who will look out for her safety? May God bless her and keep her sfe until then. Merci beaucoup et adieu/Grà cies i que Déu els beneeixi.
Corina O.
As a highly educated (beyond university studies), American citizen of Hispanic descent, I submit today that the Governor did the right thing. It’s not about race or about the Mexican people of Arizona; surely, Mexicans aren’t the only group of people that live here so throw out the race card for crying out loud!
This is about ILLEGAL immigration and nothing more. We are not closing the borders or stopping the influx of immigrants that live, work, or visit this great state. All legal persons are welcome, and Arizona is happy for you to call this place home.
The feds owe us millions of dollars for immigration enforcement so we’re just going to pay our own tab from here on out. In stepping up to the feds and telling them that we are empowered to do their job, Arizona is taking care of its people. True, this is a conservative state but let us not forget that the PEOPLE have spoken, and in a democracy like this MAJORITY RULES.
Nice job Arizonans!
Bob Boyd
I don’t understand the problem with the law. I am a dual citizen – U.S. & Mexico. When I wanted to live in Mexico, I had to adhere to all of the Mexican immigration laws. I had to have a new immigration visa each year until I finally qualified to apply for citizenship. I then had to follow all the rules to receive my Mexican citizenship. This included learning the language and history of the country.
The police, notary, courts and other government services want to know your immigration status. If you don’t have it, they are all required to report you. Your kids can’t go to Mexican schools without demonstrating proper immigration status.
In the areas along the border, many Americans settle into the cities and feel that they are above the law. Thousands of them are “wet backs” which means they have no immigration status. The average Mexican thinks that this disrespect for the law is rude and they want these people deported, just like Americans want illegals deported.
This new Arizona law is just that, a law to take care of illegality taking place in Arizona. Nothing more – Nothing less. It is the same thing they do in Mexico where state and local officials are responsible for making sure you are legal or turn you over to be deported.
By the way, although I am a citizen here in Mexico, I still get stopped and have to prove I am a Mexican. I get singled out because I look like a Gringo and have to explain I am a naturalized citizen. This doesn’t violate my rights and the authorities have every right to stop me, as most illegal aliens in the border area are white, speak English and wear clothes that are different from the average Mexican. So, if the shoe fits, you get to show the ID. Illegals know they are illegal and if caught will be deported. They knew that when they came into the U.S. or Mexico illegally. That’s why they hide. So, if they get deported, it shouldn’t be a shock to them or the public. If you speed and get a ticket, are you shocked? Do you tell the judge you don’t have to obey the speed laws?
Everyone stop the hysteria!
orlando
Marisa, Cookie’s statement is not absurd at all. The “Atlas of World Population History” (Facts on File, 1975), pp. 291-92, which I hold in my hand, estimated that in 1910 there were 200,000 “chicanos” (their word) in the USA, in 1930 1.5 million, and in 1975, 7 million.
They don’t address the other Latin nations, but if there were, say, 3 million people of Puerto Rican, Dominican, Cuban etc. ancestry in the USA in 1975, it does indeed suggest that the current Latino population in the USA is mostly due to recent immigration and those born to recent immigrants.
cookie
Let me clarify myself, Marisa. When I said that the majority of Hispanics have not been here for generations I meant those of Mexican/mestizo bloodlines.
Full blooded Spaniards who came from Europe did come here hundreds of years ago. They are also Hispanic culturally as the Mestizos are. Thus the confusion about the word “Hispanic” that I used and should have been clearer about.
Ruben lopez
this goes to fred yarvin.. ok with all the respect.. you say we have damaged this country.. ok.. but remeber throughout history.. ok now that you went racial.. YOU “WHITES” are the ones you created the atomic bomb. and killes many inocent lives, including women and children. also in the great depression you WHITES repatriated us using violence. it didn’t matter if they were citizens or not. and in WWII you guys were crying for our help because you WHITES had no one to work the farms and the factories.. so after you guys kick us out then you realize you neede our help then you want us back. SB1070 is like that repatriation program in the great depression.. it will not matter if you’re a citizen or not. if you look Hispanic you will be stopped and asked for ID. and some officers with all my respect abuse their power and deport Hispanics who are American citizens.. SO IF I WERE YOU FRED I WOULD EDUCATE MYSELF AND LEARN HISTORY AND ALSO GO OUT SOME MORE SO YOU CAN SEE HOW THE WORLD WORKS..
Ruben Lopez
look cookie… this land used to be Mexico like one hundred fifty years ago. when this land became US the MEXICANS DID NOT LEAVE TO MEXICO. they stayed here and they were given US citizenship. so HISPANICS HAVE BEEN AROUND THIS LAND FOR LIKE 150 YEARS HERE IN ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, NEW MEXICO, TEXAS, NEVADA, COLORADO. why do you think your states have Names derived from ESPAñOL?? CALIFORNIA= CALI MEANS HOT, FORNIA MEANS FORTUNE. IT WAS CALLED THIS BECAUSE IT IS PRETTY HOT IN CALIFORNIA AND ALSO BECAUSE OF THE GOLD. ARIZONA= ARI MEANS DESERTE OR DRY AND ZONA MEANS ZONE OR LAND.
COLORADO= COLORADO SI THE SPANISH WORD FOR RED. NEVADA= IS THE SPANISH WORK FOR SNOW SEASON. NEW MEXICO WELL THAT IS JUST A NEW MEXICO. so please COOKIE DON’T HATE, EDUCATE.
Liquid Reigns
this land used to be Mexico like one hundred fifty years ago. when this land became US the MEXICANS DID NOT LEAVE TO MEXICO.
It was actually Spain that controlled the territories you claim, ARIZONA (approx. 1000 Spanish decent), CALIFORNIA (approx. 6000 Spanish Californios), NEW MEXICO (approx. 1000 Spanish decent), TEXAS (approx. 3000 Spanish decent Tejanos), NEVADA (a couple Spanish missions), COLORADO (a couple Spanish missions), there were very few Spanish decent living in the territories, mostly along the now border.
Don’t forget the Mexican Gov’t at the time was paying its people to move to the territories, the first peoples were driving them back, and Mexico was trying to resell the land grants. All of this along the now border.
Define what a Mexican is. Why do you think ESPAñOL is used in Mexico? Where does ESPAñOL originate from? What is the native language of Mexico?
Your argument and claims, Ruben, show a lack of EDUCATION on your behalf.
Svivar9087
Since SB1070 passed, I’ve decided to spend all my time on the field, talking to my fellow Latinos. Making sure they know the implications of this new law. Even tho, I know it will be challenged, my rage is not at this racist act called SB1070. What pisses me off, is that it actually became law and the bigots that supported it’s vagueness. But then that doesn’t surprise me, history can back me up on that one.
Our broken border is a problem, but also an opportunity, Which is why it has never been resolved. Over 5,000 immigration bills in five years have been approved and to what end?…nada, my people keep coming. If they were serious about this issue, maybe, just maybe, if they punished those that hire a hard working illegal, they’d have a slighty different outcome. But then our politicians would no longer have that ace up their sleeve, when they need a little time or a distraction. In this case it’s a power struggle.
But I’m more pissed at us as Latinos, so many of us and so divided. We see no one but ourselves, our family and our friends and where has that gotten us. I mean that with LOVE. What I’m trying to say, is that it’s time we reach out to one another, patronize Latino merchants, push our children to learn. And stop watching channel 34, they just keep us stupid and the men horney.
JeffinAZ
I live in Arizona. Spanish culture has been here forver. I am not worried at all about this law. What I am tired of is the Drug Lords from Mexico taking over the US. I am tired of the murders, kidnappings, and threats. If you are illegal in the United States, yes you should probably think of moving out of Arizona. Otherwise, all people are welcome to visit and enjoy our beautiful state.
By the way 10 years ago you rarely saw a Sonora, MX license plate in PHX. Now they are so common. These visitors are here to enjoy our lovely state, just like the many visitors from Canada. Welcome to Arizona! Let’s make this state safe for All People.
jeffinaz
Ruben Lopez:
Your meaning of the orgin of the state name is incorrect. Arizona is actual from an Indian word.
By the way,the Indians were here way before any Hispanics.
D
AZ1070.com
Jeri
To all Arizona residents that are brown in color or listen to spanish music in your car with the windows down or speak spainsh at work because it pays better to do so, make sure that you have your legal docs with you at all times. Even though the SB1070 law says they will not profile, you know that they will. I cannot even immagine what we will be handing over to law enforcement next. Will there be a bounty on the head of any illegal immigrant in the state? If so, how much will your neighbor, or childs teacher get for turning someone in? Sadness!!!!!!
jeri
Has anyone in position of power thought about how this law will affect the children of Arizona? Soon it will become evident that the children of immigrant parents will no longer be going to school even if they are legal U.S. residents. Their parents will be afraid of deportation and of CPS or other action that they fear could be taken against them and they will keep their children home from school. The children will be the ones that are going to suffer in all of this. And if the militant service drones of our beloved and Hitler-esc Sheriff Joe do question the legal status of the immigrant parents of legal citizen children, once they discover that they are illegally here, are they going to rip the children from the arms of their parents and put these children into the system just to deport their parents? This is a nightmare on many levels. If you people thought that there were too many empty houses on your block prior to this law taking effect, wait until the immigrant people of this community feel that they have no choice but to abandon their homes and all other debts and return to their country of origin. This law will have repercussions that our Gov. has never even thought of. (As I doubt that compassion or family values are part of her daily thought process.) Our schools will suffer, the banks will suffer, if you think that the economy here in Phoenix is bad now, just wait the 90 days for this law to take affect. These are my thoughts on the issue. And as a legal and born citizen of the U.S.A married to an immigrant here illegally with 2 U.S citizen sons with this man, one here and one in heaven, I feel that I have the right to make my thoughts known. I should not have to be afraid every day that my husband will be stopped while taking our son to school. Or that he will be deported leaving me here to take care of our son alone. Above all this, the population of immigrants in Arizona will no longer have the confidence to call the police or speak up if some type of crime is occurring in their home or neighborhood. I have one final thing to say to our Gov Jan B. QUE VERGUENSA!!!! You are an EMBARRASSMENT to our state and to the people that you serve. You got this job by chance, you were not voted in to your position, but you have learned quickly how to abuse your power and to make an ass of yourself and our state. Do you sleep well at night?
cristal
this is not riqht everyone should qo anywhere they want because we are all human and we should all be treated the same
amber
I live in Arizona and I have actually taken the time to read the bill. Anyone mad about this bill has not taken the time to read and fully understand what the bill means. It does not give the law enforcement the right to “racial profile”. What it does do is allow them to ask for identification when given probable cause ie: traffic violation, tips about drop houses, any crime that’s been committed. This is standard knowledge. This would happen to anyone in any country. I’m sorry but If I went to Mexico and committed crimes or was there doing anything illegally, like living there without being a citizen…. I would get in trouble too. I don’t believe it is unfair to make people follow our laws. It’s standard procedure for any country…. including Mexico’s own laws.
Gringo
I have an idea. Let’s take every state and local law off the books that makes using and selling drugs a crime. We have federal laws to address the drug problem in this nation. We have federal law enforcement officers to deal with this plague. So why is it so wrong for our state leaders to want to address a problem that the federal government is clearly unwilling or able to address?
CallMeChaz
As an American I would never assume I had the right to “crash” Canada or any other county, thumb my nose at their immigration laws, and settle in as I please! I don’t personally know a single other US citizen who would assume otherwise!!
As an American I’m sick and tired of any foreigner assuming they can squat in MY country. Anyone here illegally can take your arrogance home or elsewhere. If you won’t then don’t whine when you are thrown out!
lesley
lets try to remember the the white people were imigrants too in the past. they came to america. they were looking for a better furture. and so are we.this country didnt belong to them. it belonged to the native americans, and what did the white people do to them? they KILLED THEM ALL!they have no culture at all. no history! the native americans didnt try to send you back.this is bull shit!you white people think you can concor every thing! the law is bull shit… big time! veto the god dam law!
nyllara
i stronqly believe that every1 should b treated equaly ok iff theyer out here without legal papers than thatz a problem but qettin called out of their name and usin mexican as an assult thenn ur wronq stop tryiin to put them down because people put u down..anyone who does that is a jerk face and if u dont like what im sayin then chanqe ur ways… if u have any type of spanish in u then hello ur talkinn about ur self. Just because ur not MEXICAN doesent mean u need to talk about them. I know that people have mexican friends out ther.. How would u like it if ppl talked about ur race,and posted it on enternet? NO!! i didnt think soo.S0 stop already and mind your business let the goverment handle itt u lil HATERS.. IM NOT MEXICAN BUT ALSO NOT RACES
CYNTHIA
this is not fair evryone is the same dosent matter how you live we are all people.WE THE PEOPLE have the rights to live freelydosent matter were.people think well most people think that mexicans are the problem but were not.How many people that are frome the other side of the world and they are illigel but they look like they arnt your going to say oh his not illegal so dont stop him but if you see a mexican your going to say oh stop that guy only cause he is mexican or different skin coler.I dont belive the law they are going to put that is so redicules in my opinion.ALOT BUT I MEAN ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE HATING THAT LAW BUT WHO KNOWS IF THEY ACCEPT IT.ASK YOUR SELF IS THIS LAW GOOD?IS IT GONNA MAKE OUR WORLD BETTER?OR WAT ABOUT IS THIS LAW GOING TO START ALOT OF WAR AGAINTS EVRYBODY? I MEAN PEOPLE REALLY NEED TO THINK ABOUT THIS LAW BECAUSE THEY NEVER WAT PEOPLE NOT US MEXICANS BUT OTHER PEOPLE.ITS NOT FARE WAT THEY ARE DOING BLAMING US MEXICANS NO NO NO BECAUSE ITS NOT ONLY US IS OTHER PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD TO.IMEAN ITS REALLY DISRESPECTFULL FOR US MEXICANS THAT THEIR BLAMING US MEXICANS ONLY.ITS OTHER PEOPLE YOU NEVER SUSPECT FOR THEM TO BE.
Cesar Gonzalez
I served my country for 20 years. And now my son is in Iraq doing the same. Ironically, I was born in the great state of AZ, or at-least I thought it was. I was shot in Iraq and was told I was going home, I did and after four month I begged to go back and help my White, Hispanics, Asians, Black brothers that were desperately in need of help regardless of skin color. It is to my surprise that the country that I served and my state decided to put a law into place that would question me and all my family members. This is very hurtful and I honestly have no words for this! Needless to say.. I’m against this bill. And the only reason I don’t move out is because my wife that also served in the military is in critical condition. Thank you AZ for doing this to me and millions of others Latinos and immigrant that serve your country. Thanks.
svivar9087
Mayday Marches
Had to sleep on this issue and finally decided that the last thing we as Latinos need right now is harsh criticism among ourselves. The fact of the matter is that we remained peaceful and this time we saw more famous faces.
In my humble opinion our NEXT STEP furthering our cause for justice is crucial, immigration reform has been on many Presidential Plates and were still washing the dishes and cleaning up in silence, only now those of us who’s parents made sure we could live the American Dream, will get caught in the middle, because we thought we were Americans, and said nothing. It’s time to start thinking about tomorrow and amend how we live today.
My suggestions:
Organize our activist nationwide, so we carry the same message and agenda. Use facebook, twitter, Skype, heck use smoke signs, key is NETWORK.
From here TOGETHER, we can push for
Halt, not suspend all Hispanic enlistments into the military, until we can guarantee their parents will be their when they come home.
Suggest all contributions Illegal Immigrants have made, that are currently being held in “The Earning Suspense File†be placed in escrow. Interest should be used for Immigrants in need.
Register to vote ! (this has a lot of options)
Demand more programs like “Al Punto†Our Hispanic TV channels, promote stupidity. (sorry is one is a sore subject for me)
Listen to talk radio, from both perspectives.
Key point is, that we need more than marches.
mike
The term illegal immigrant is just what it says…..”illegal.” If any american citizen does something “illegal” they are punished but yet these people that jump the border and into america “illegally” got better benifits than a vast number of legal american citizens. I have no issue with any person that wants to come into the country the right way, through the proper channels. If any american citizen did things illegally then they would be punished for it. Why not hold the “illegal” people in this country to the same rules and regulations and send them back to where they came?
Skippyup
Senate bill 1070 was not meant to offend anyone. In our country today we are so afraid to step on anyone’s toes and are so careful to be sure to be politically correct that we are actually allowing people to pour into our country illegally and afraid to do anything about it. I am all for immigration. Afterall, that is what America is all about. If those peole want to become American citizens and enjoy the rights and priviledges that come with American citizenship, then THEY NEED TO DO IT LEGALLY! After 911 our borders MUST be secure. I have a lot of hispanic friends that feel the same way and are tired of people entering our country illegally. They have said that the would be willing to carry ID in case they are ever stopped to proove legal residence or citizenship. It is not racial profiling and even if it was, it is neccessary to keep our borders secure. No other country in the world would allow people to come in illegally. There are strict laws that they enforce regarding immigration. WHy then are we not allowed to enforce our laws? I am disgusted by the media hype against this bill. Yes, it may be a little inconvenient to carry id with you in case you are ever stopped, but big deal, it is a price to pay until we get the illegal immigration problem under control.
America, ENFORCE OUR IMMIGRATION LAWS! STOP WORRYING ABOUT BEING SO POLLITICALLY CORRECT ALL OF THE TIME! It is rediculous!
Marco
Myself, I come from Scots and Italian immigrants ,one of whom got hitched to an American Indian sometime after the Civil War.I am an immigrant.I have no problem with any Mexican,Honduran,Guatamalan, Venezualan,or any other “man”coming here to live.Can’t blame them at all! Great country!I suggest you all read the bill before commenting.All it does is allow Arizona to assist enforcing EXISTING federal law.Seems Arizona will force the Fed’s hand.Obviously this needs attention,or else no controversy,but the hysterics are almost laughable.Comparing Arizona to Nazi Germany?What a pathetic play on a horrible historic event!I suggest you go visit Auschwitz before making such a comment.Simple fact is ,need to keep the bad out,let the good in,and if the Feds won’t.Arizona has every right to, especially if doing so has public support.I will caution, though, that hatred has no place in this, so be ever watchful.
matt
Jeri. Why would the parents be afraid of deportation if they are legal? The law says that they must have papers on them at all time and guess what. When they signed their citizenship papers one of the requirements is for them to have that. SB 1070 isn’t anything new. They are old laws that are now able to be enforced on the sport DURING A LAWFUL ACT. If an immigrant doesn’t have papers with them it isn’t an automatic deportation, it is a misdemeanor just like a traffic ticket. They will get charged looked up in the system and be on their way. Besides law enforcement can’t just ask whoever they want it has to be under reasonable suspicion. Stop trying to back up illegals…what is the big deal about this law? You have nothing to be afraid of unless you are an illegal.
fred
I AM IN FAVOR OF ALL THE STATES WHO ARE HAVING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROBLEMS HAVING THE SAME LAW AS ARIZONA. THE STATES CANNOT KEEP ON RAISING TAXES WITH LESS PEOPLE WORKING.SO THEY HAVE TO CUT EXPENSES, ARIZONA COULD SAVE BILLIONS EVERY YEAR.ONCE THE ILLEGALS ARE GONE THE RATE OF PAY WILL INCREASE AND THE STATE WILL REAP EVEN MORE REVENUE.I CAN SEE ARIZONA BEING ONE OF THE MOST PROSPEROUS STATE DURING THIS SECOND DECADE.THEN ALL THE OTHER STATES WILL LEARN THE TRUE COST OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
Eddie
Go ahead, put on the Gringo Mask and let others see you.
Instructions to use the Gringo Mask.
Visit http://www.gringomask.com
Evelyn
Your meaning of the orgin of the state name is incorrect. Arizona is actual from an Indian word.
By the way,the Indians were here way before any Hispanics.
~~
I would like to add:
The name Arizona is the Spanish interpretation of “arizuma,” an Aztec Indian word that means “silver-bearing.” It’s also based on the Pima Indian word arizonac, meaning “little spring place.” Many state names trace their origin to native American Indian languages.
Many of those Mexicans migrating here now have the same blood lines as the Aztecs who named Arizona.
Evelyn
CallMeChaz :
As an American I would never assume I had the right to “crash” Canada or any other county, thumb my nose at their immigration laws, and settle in as I please! I don’t personally know a single other US citizen who would assume otherwise!!
As an American I’m sick and tired of any foreigner assuming they can squat in MY country. Anyone here illegally can take your arrogance home or elsewhere. If you won’t then don’t whine when you are thrown out!
~~
Err, maybe you dont remember the illegal invasion of Iraq, Mexico, El Salvidor, Guatemala, Venezuela, Iran, (just to name a few) by the U.S. over the years?
When we stop invading other countries for profit then we can ask others to respect our borders. Until them STFU!
Nicole
Let me clear this first that I am not an immigrant. It saddened my heart that AZ generalized all the Litinos and other immigrants as a criminals and illegal aliens and I don’t have any questions that this law gives the authority to Police and law enforcement, in Arizona to become federal officers, but i feared that it will be misused by the irresponsible officers. The best thing we can do I believe is to practice the Motto of the ARmIES. To be a sister and brothers to all free of hate and the main spice are love and forgiveness.
If they really wanted to end the illegal immigrants I think they should put in jail first those who hire illegals immigrants. I fully understand why they created this law but I wish AZ didn’t stoop themselves like Africa who hate hispanics.
thepolesposition
This country was built on the strength of people standing up for something they believe in even if they are in the minority. Unfortunately for Arizona, the state’s history on race is such that one almost has to conclude that this is about more than just solving the immigration problem. I have written a good piece urging MLB to move the all-star game to another city if this law goes into effect. If interested, read at: http://thepolesposition.com/2010/05/05/race-politics-and-sports-collide-with-arizonas-passage-of-senate-bill-1070/
Michael Bailey
I am disappointed with the city of Los Angeles and the State of California for taking such half-hearted measures as their current boycott attempts. If they were really serious they would cut off Arizona from the real money. I am talking about buying no more power from Hoover Dam or Palo Verde nuclear plant. No more buying of Colorado River water. No more purchases of copper, silver and gold from their mines. No more purchases of cattle or food from their farms. California and Los Angeles should be purchasing electricity, water, metals, cattle and food from Mexico instead.
FM
I would like to share my ideas with you and I would like to let you know that I am a proud american. This is just a quick draft so please excuse any mistakes I may make during this. I would like to give you some history about my standing and where I get my ideals. I am born first generation american-mexican on my fathers side and many generations on american-mexican on my mothers side since the border jumped y family many, many years ago in California. I have deep Mexican hispanic and American roots which I am proud of both in my family structure.Now on immigration policy I would like to say that there are two very difficult opositions you are facing and each side has their valid points on the topic. One side focuses on civil rights and ethics issues and the other side basis their thinking more on a legal and economic factors. Both sides are correct but if either side gets their way the other will be very unhappy. The only solution is a bypartisan solution that would give each group a little of what each proposes that way there will not be total civil unrest. I feel that the side looking for better border gaurds and allowing police to question citizenship should get this request because this will help enforce immigration policy. The side looking for civil and ethical rights for undocumented immigrants in the country that have no criminal record should be allowed to receive a 5 year working visa that can be renewed once for another 5 years so long as the legal immigrant has not been involved in any criminal activities they should have the option to take the test for citizenship after 2 working visa’s or leave back to the their country of origin. While immigrants are in the country they should be able to have most of the rights that a typical citizen would have. This will allow the legal immigrants to pay taxes, get driver liscense, pay fines and be legally registered as required function in the open and not hide in the shadows because they feel they do not have any rights. The immigrants can help fund the governmental body that is required to keep track of the progress each year via exclusive taxes and registrations. With tougher immigration law enforcement, police checking immigration documentation immigrants do not have to worry because they have visa’s. Tougher border security will also prevent new immigrants from entering the country without legal documentation. Now with the issue of racial profiling police offices will have to take on the same training that border patrol agents must take. There maybe some judgements made by some police officers that can cause concern but most officers do follow the law as it is tought and enforced to them. There should be an agency setup to monitor and investigate any unjust police discrimination complaints. I know that these ideas are very simplified and in very perliminary brainstorming stages for the immigration reform policy but I thought I would put my two cents in just in case I could lend a hand to a difficult situation with two opposing sides with valid points.
Respectfully.
FM
monty of mesa
Whatever your citizenship or immigration status is, I would like to ask one question: When it is asked of you, which country would you defend and fight for? I am not talking about which government, but which COUNTRY. When I sworn my allegience to the United States of America with my right hand in the air and became a naturalized citizen, I at the same time gave up my Chinese citizenship. I am old-fashioned enough that I made sure I obeyed all the laws requied of me so not to jeopardize my eligibility to US citizenship. So you see, I have taken this very seriously. Now I hear folks saying letting the undocumented to stay, and I felt being cheated! Because when the sh*t hits the fan, I would have been the one taking up arms since I have given my oath, while the undocumented would have had a choice to get out of Dodge. I have no problem with SB1070. I have my “paper” (a valid driver’s license) with me and I speak English clearly. Do you understand, I did not just come here to take what I could, I also became part of this country. I do not sympathize with the undocumented because they eventually will not add anything to this country- my country!
Jose Martinez
Here is video by Latino Hip Hop’s Rich Rico going against #sb1070. Lemme know what you think.
Stephen Van Nattan
I tuned pianos in Cochise Country for seven years in the recent past. I lived 25 miles from the border. My best and most frequent customers were middle class Hispanic folks in Nogales, AZ.
I NEVER heard a Hispanic American express a desire to see illegals allowed to stay in the USA. In fact, I often saw them give tortillas or water to illegals, then go in the house and call the Border Patrol. Mercy is a virtue– ignoring illegal entry is NOT mercy– it is national suscide.
The problem is, Democrats AND Republicans know that there are thousands of influential people on the border who hire illegals on ranches, in construction, and as domestics. I saw this also, and the Border Patrol looked the other way.
Any day, during harvest time, you will see about thirty illegals laying in the park in Wilcox, AZ. Pickup trucks drive up, and several illegals climb in, and they go off to work on farms. The Border Patrol knows about it and does nothing.
From the President to the Border Patrol agent, no one is really serious about illegal immigration.
This is why the border states will have to write laws. They are the gatekeepers of America, and they can simply decide when, why, and how. Frankly, I think that is best, for people outside the drama of the entry points don’t have a clue what really is happening.
Steve
JOSE
WELL IM NOT LEGAL IN THIS COUNTRY EVN THO THIS LAW AFFECTS ME … I UNDERSTAND WHY ARIZONA PASSED THIS LAW… CUZ I KNOW THAT IF I WAS A LEGAL RESIDENT I WOULD BE UPSET WITH THE PEOPLE LIKE ME … BUT I WANT YOU PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND THAT NOT ALL OF US ARE BAD PEOPLE… IM READY FOR ALL OF YOUR NEGATIVE COMMENTS SO SHOOT NOW!!
arturo fernandez
“I AM IN FAVOR OF ALL THE STATES WHO ARE HAVING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROBLEMS HAVING THE SAME LAW AS ARIZONA.”
Me too. That would be a total of…zero.
No state has “illegal immigrant problems”. Illegal immigrants have been a net benefit everywhere they’ve gone. They are more law abiding than the legals (what a ridiculous term); by working they help create jobs for more Americans, their American children learn english and assimilate just like all previous immigrants.
Illegal immigrants have been good for this country. They must be given amnesty. It’s the right thing to do.
armando
i live in texas and i am of spaniard descent.i can tell you that tejanos were here 150 years before the revolution war.it was tejanos that made the first laws in texas.they also built the first roads,missions,ranches etc.they opened the texas border for the anglos in 1821.before that there were no anglos in texas.tejanos fought side by side with them at the alamo.later they would turn their backs on tejanos and kill some of them and rape their women,take their ranches and cattle.some tejanos left to mexico for refuge and many stayed in texas.so yes many hispanics have been here for many,many generations.they also fought in the civil war.so tejanos have been here since the 1500-1600.look up the history of tejanos and get educated.the anglos turned their back on them too as they did the indians.illegals are nothing new to native indians.they used to call them whites.
LyndaCa
I am not Latina. It both saddens and infuriates me that my government refuses to DO ITS JOB of protecting our citizens “against all enemies foreign and domestic,” which is what they take an oath to do when they take office. While we are bickering over whether or not illegal immigrants have “rights,” there are hundreds of terrorists crossing our borders through Mexico right now from other hostile countries. In my opinion, the refusal of my government to act constitutes TREASON! Warring against a state which is attempting to protect its citizens while the Feds are not is TREASON! Refusing to protect our borders against illegal immigration, through which terrorists are coming, is TREASON! The AZ law is NOT racist. Contrary to popular propaganda, people of Hispanic origin will not be stopped in the streets merely for being Hispanic. Rather, they will have to be doing something else wrong, such as breaking a traffic law or committing some crime. The fact that Obama’s propaganda machine calls the law racist is despicable and insidious. It is a deliberate attempt to manipulate and incite people. It is the propaganda about the law which is devisive. The law, as it is written and intended, is not. The law is intended to protect Arizona citizens AND US citizens against kidnappings, crime, and other atrocities which are occuring and to which the Feds continue to turn a blind eye. We have a right to enforce our border and it should have been done yesterday!
V
I’m with Ruben. If this law goes into effect American citizens who have been here for decades will be harassed, intimidated & hopefully not, but I have a bad feeling in my heart, deported to another country.
Talk about frightened.
Some like me have never been to Mexico in our lives, imagine if someone who abuses their authority sends us there?
God help us.
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