Immigration seems to be an endless issue here in the United States. There are always proposed theories and suggestions to how immigration can be stopped, or at least bettered in some way. A very important and significant law that is grabbing much attention is the immigration law that Arizona has recently passed. According to an article in the Washington Post, the new Arizona law “…criminalizes illegal immigration by defining it as trespassing and allows local law enforcement agencies to question people they suspect of being undocumented.”
Within the article, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio answers a few of the frequently asked questions about this law. When asked, “How can law enforcement "reasonably suspect" someone of being undocumented without racial profiling?” He replied, “ When you have a legitimate contact during law enforcement operations, you should be able to ask for identification which law enforcement does anyway on a daily basis. You ask for ID and you see if that person is here illegally by checking out the immigration status of the person. We don't go around picking people off the streets because they look like they're from another country just because of their race.”
Political cartoonists love to tease Arizona’s new policy on the fact that local law enforcement agencies can question those they have reason to believe are undocumented workers. For example, here is a recent cartoon, drawn by cartoonist Mike Keefe of the Denver Post.
In other current news about Arizona’s take on immigration, the Arizona senate stated March 17, 2011 that the senate “plans…to consider illegal immigration bills on citizenship, health care, public services and everyday activities ranging from hiring to driving.” The issue is ongoing and there are constantly updates and revisions in how Arizona plans to clamp down on the immigration issue.
Arizona Senate news source link:
http://www.necn.com/03/17/11/Arizona-lawmakers-to-consider-immigratio/landing_politics.html?&blockID=3&apID=3fb5204dcfbd4ae88b8361c2d010dfd4
Arizona has taken the initiative to be the first state to “…criminalize illegal immigration by defining it as trespassing”. Other states are noticing, and the state of Utah has been recently discussing their plans on immigration as well. In a recent Salt Lake Tribune article labeled “Utah Lawmakers want action”, it was stated that a measure that “…would require Utah to set up a pool of money to reimburse medical workers and hospitals for serving undocumented immigrants” is on its way to the Senate.
Salt Lake Tribune article link:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51310278-76/action-bill-committee-immigration.html.csp
Some Current Statistics
The current numbers of undocumented workers continue to increase in the United States of America. Many protests and steps have been taken to either to support it or do away with it. Here are the current numbers:
http://www.immigrationcounters.com/
The immigration numbers have decreased significantly as reported by the Associated Press in this article also explaining immigrants are reluctant to leave the U.S..
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32079947/ns/us_news-life/
The following article explains in good detail, "What is wrong with illegal immigration?" The article is pro anti-immigration and gives some good points to how to eliminate immigration.
http://www.commentaryusa.com/commentary/illegal-immigration/whats-wrong-with-illegal-immigration.html
Wikipedia, yes we are using Wikipedia as a source, but nonetheless under illegal immigration they have the break down of nationalities within the United States and more numbers and in depth analysis of state breakdown, visa overstay, economic incentives, etc…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_immigration_to_the_United_States
A Different Perspective
http://www.immigrationcounters.com/
The immigration numbers have decreased significantly as reported by the Associated Press in this article also explaining immigrants are reluctant to leave the U.S..
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32079947/ns/us_news-life/
The following article explains in good detail, "What is wrong with illegal immigration?" The article is pro anti-immigration and gives some good points to how to eliminate immigration.
http://www.commentaryusa.com/commentary/illegal-immigration/whats-wrong-with-illegal-immigration.html
Wikipedia, yes we are using Wikipedia as a source, but nonetheless under illegal immigration they have the break down of nationalities within the United States and more numbers and in depth analysis of state breakdown, visa overstay, economic incentives, etc…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_immigration_to_the_United_States
A Different Perspective
By: Brad Singer
Immigration is a topic that is very close to me. I served an LDS mission in the great state of California. This was a special part of the world to serve in and the time I was there, the so called “Mexican revolution” occurred, when the Latinos marched the streets of Los Angeles protesting and striking to not work anymore. I was able to really understand where both sides were coming from and form a “different” opinion than a typical American citizen.
I will never forget the many stories I heard from people crossing the border and treacherous journey they had to go through, some did not make it, some lost limbs, and some obviously made it to the states. As I sat and listened to these many stories I cultivated many thoughts and would frequently ask myself, what would I do in that situation? If I was a father of 5 children making 5 dollars a day living in a country where some of the resources aren’t readily available like they are here in the United States. Would I cross the border and risk my life so possibly my family could survive? Yes I would. I am sure that any parent in any part of the world would answer yes to those questions. It is an interesting question and one I feel we should all think about. As I sat and listened to story after story I gained a different perspective of immigration and what it means to these people. I love them and I cared for many of them.
On the contrary I am an American citizen and immigration does effect the freedoms and privileges I have as an American. I saw many undocumented workers taking advantage of those freedoms we enjoy each day. Young mothers who crossed the border to have children so their child could be an American citizen and then use the government aka: our tax dollars to buy milk, groceries, diapers, clothes all things that pertain to living basically or raising a child. I found this a little offensive and wish there was some way to really stop it.
After being home from a mission for a couple years now and understanding more and more of each side I feel, and this is my opinion, that if an undocumented worker is here and doing what is right, making an attempt always to learn the language, that they should have the chance to grow and learn the ways in America; but that is only if the effort is there. There is pro-immigration and anti-immigration, which ever side you do choose or feel, remember we are all people and it can be worked out.
I will never forget the many stories I heard from people crossing the border and treacherous journey they had to go through, some did not make it, some lost limbs, and some obviously made it to the states. As I sat and listened to these many stories I cultivated many thoughts and would frequently ask myself, what would I do in that situation? If I was a father of 5 children making 5 dollars a day living in a country where some of the resources aren’t readily available like they are here in the United States. Would I cross the border and risk my life so possibly my family could survive? Yes I would. I am sure that any parent in any part of the world would answer yes to those questions. It is an interesting question and one I feel we should all think about. As I sat and listened to story after story I gained a different perspective of immigration and what it means to these people. I love them and I cared for many of them.
On the contrary I am an American citizen and immigration does effect the freedoms and privileges I have as an American. I saw many undocumented workers taking advantage of those freedoms we enjoy each day. Young mothers who crossed the border to have children so their child could be an American citizen and then use the government aka: our tax dollars to buy milk, groceries, diapers, clothes all things that pertain to living basically or raising a child. I found this a little offensive and wish there was some way to really stop it.
After being home from a mission for a couple years now and understanding more and more of each side I feel, and this is my opinion, that if an undocumented worker is here and doing what is right, making an attempt always to learn the language, that they should have the chance to grow and learn the ways in America; but that is only if the effort is there. There is pro-immigration and anti-immigration, which ever side you do choose or feel, remember we are all people and it can be worked out.
