Our country has a rich diverse realm. America is a land of immigrants. We have people from different countries living in each corner. It is this unique characteristic that makes America what it is: “a land of opportunity.”
Many people in America disagree with such idea of the United States. Many argue that America fails to give opportunity to all. Just recently, the Arizona State government passed a law that was followed by a huge controversy.
Arizona Senate Bill 1070, considered one of America’s most strict immigration law, was signed into law by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer on April 23rd, 2010. According to a statement press release from Governor Brewer’s office, Governor Brewer signed this piece of legislation because she believed “it represents what’s best for Arizona.” Brewer also stated that her signature on the legislation meant her support for “both AGAINST illegal immigration AND against racial profiling.”
Now that is what is very controversial about this legislation. SB1070 in fact does encourage racial profiling, even if Brewer says she does not support such practice. The bill clearly states:
“FOR ANY LAWFUL CONTACT MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR AGENCY… OF THIS STATE WHERE REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS THAT THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE MADE…TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE PERSON.”
On the above statement, the bill clearly gives power to any law enforcement official to determine an individual’s immigration status if they believe there is “reasonable suspicion.” The question is: how would the officials determine if there is "reasonable suspicion?” The officials would most likely target anyone who may look of Hispanic-background. Isn’t that already racial profiling? Yes it is. Law enforcement officials would ignore other “criminals,” and focus mainly on brown-skinned citizens.
The bill is titled: “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act.” So, what is this? The Arizona Senate is asking it’s constituents to support their law enforcement in creating a safer neighborhood, but yet the legislation is helping the invisibility of the actual criminals they are trying to aim at. Governor Brewer stated that they “cannot sacrifice [the state’s] safety to the murderous greed of drug cartels…drop houses, kidnappings and violence.” I believe that the Arizona State Senators are forgetting that drug cartels, kidnappers, and violent criminals are not only Hispanics or “illegal” individuals. Other ethnicities make part of this issue. The Federal Bureau of Prisons’ report show that 57.9% of the inmates are White. While, 33.0% are Hispanic. So, if Arizona is trying to attack these “criminals” they shouldn’t target individuals who look “reasonable suspicious” of being undocumented.
Now, it is understandable that Arizona’s border-related violence has been an issue; just like Mexico’s drug cartel crimes are a huge issue. I agree with the fact that both our government and Mexico’s government should do their best to stop such crimes; but I strongly disagree with the fact that Arizona created this law that aims at their 30.1% Hispanic population. Especially because it helps create a distrust in the individuals society should feel safe with¾our law enforcement officials.
Law enforcement officials are people society go to when there is a problem, such as danger. Governor Brewer issued an executive order that directed the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) “to develop training to appropriately implement SB1070.” Sure, the AZPOST Board will develop such training, but it is sure that the law enforcement officials will use their “power” to try and capture anyone they believe is illegally in this country. Not every officer would follow the right implementation; there would be many that would do their best to arrest as many people, thus trying their best to determined their legal status. If there is distrust between the community and law enforcement, then how can the community support law enforcement officials in creating a safe neighborhood? Communities in which Hispanics are the majority would no longer feel safe to call police officers when there is danger; they would ignore it, thus creating an unsafe neighborhood.
The debate over this piece of legislation continues. Opponents continue to advocate for the fall of the legislation; while supporters continue to congratulate the Arizona State Senate. Which ever stand one takes, one should take into account the social justice view. Yes, violence is an issue that is brought up in the debates of this legislation, but debaters should also focus on what is right for the people. America is a land of immigrants, it is time we gave EQUAL-BALANCE between the rights and opportunities of ALL.
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