I read the executive order that implemented Arizona’s new anti-illegals law before. Now I’ve read the law itself. (Every law should be this short and easy to understand!!!) Same deal. There are only two parts of this law that I find objectionable: 13-1509 G. 1. regarding drugs and weapons and 23-214 regarding e-verify. I don’t think possession of a drug or a weapon should be illegal, and I don’t think the government has any business requiring employers to verify anything. I think you should be able to hire people completely anonymously if you want.
- Can a police officer stop someone and demand papers just because he feels like it? No.
- Can he demand proof of citizenship from someone because they have dark skin and a Mexican accent? No.
- Does this law encourage racial profiling? No. Several times it specifically forbids the use of race or national origin as criteria for determining immigration status. If a cop really hates Mexicans he doesn’t need this law as an excuse. He just needs to pick out a Mexican, watch and wait. Everyone breaks the law every day. That’s just the nature of our already unjust system.
- Does this law make it a crime for citizens not to carry proof of citizenship? No.
- Does it make it a crime for non-citizens not to carry proof of legal alien status? No. That was already a crime. This law only quotes existing federal law.
So what are the real objections? I don’t get it. Please explain. If they are reasonable, I’m open to changing my mind.