Earlier in the semester, we discussed the concept of freedom of movement as a human right. As you will recall, nearly everyone agrees that people should be able to leave a state. The question of where immigrants go, though, is not so simple. Many people in the United States and elsewhere believe that it is necessary and proper for a state to exclude certain potential immigrants. In particular, economically motivated immigration to the United States from Mexico has been strongly opposed.
This article discusses an anti-immigration measure that was recently passed in Arizona. Under the newly passed legislation, immigrants are legally required to carry authorization papers. Police are required to check the documentation of anyone they suspect to have entered the country illegally. The law also allows people to sue cities and counties in the event that the law is not enforced. One representative stated that a yes vote on the bill was politically necessary for him given the upcoming election, but voiced concerns that Arizona would "look like Alabama in the '60s" (Archibold, 2010). What do you think of the law? Are we seeing a legitimate concern for the law or thinly veiled racism? Is there something else at play?
How is it possible to "reasonably suspect" that someone is an undocumented immigrant just by looking at them? This law would institutionalize racial profiling and allow police to pull over any Latino at any time. I'm guessing that if they really wanted to, they could also pull over any white driver because they "reasonably suspect" that they have illegally immigrated from Canada or Sweden, but they won't. The state of Arizona is opening itself up to a blizzard of lawsuits. To answer your question, yes, this is thinly veiled racism.
ReplyDeleteThis law seems to have too much gray area. I do believe that a legal immigrant should be prepared to show their paper work but the law needs to ensure this is shown for better reason. For example, when a person is seeking state assistance or attempting to get a job. The fact that this law allows them to stop anyone is problematic.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brian. It's pretty clear that the only people that will be "reasonably suspected" of entering the country illegally will be Latinos.
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