Politics BlackState.com

24 April 2010
Posted on BlackState 24 April 2010

The Anti-immigration legislation known as SB 1070 signed into law by Arizona Republican Governor Jan Brewer is nothing short of hate. The legislation is shocking because the law in practice may be one of the most racist pieces of legislation since segregation. Forcing Americans here legally and illegally to prove their immigration status. Are people suppose to carry around papers indicating their legal status wherever they go. This sounds exactly like apartheid South Africa.

Proponents say the bill is not about racial profiling. Really? So the Governor should be the first to prove her citizenship status. White legislators in Arizona clearly have no fear this law would affect them or else why would they cede power to the police to question their own legal status. Shocking. Of course Americans with brown complexion are the targets of this hate. Arizona and American citizens who have been American citizens for generations are now subject to fear of being pulled over by the police and forced to prove they are American citizens.

The state of Arizona should be boycotted by all Americans. Forget about the family trip to the Grand Canyon until the time this hateful piece of legislation is struck down by the court (which it will) or repealed by the legislators. What American citizen white, black or brown wants the hassle of being forced to prove you are an American in your own country? Where is the outrage by the libertarian right for this grant of police power – the ability of a state police official to question your federal citizenship. The law requires proof by Arizona drivers license, state issued ID card or passport. If one is driving in from neighboring states Nevada, California New Mexico you're screwed.

The Arizona we hate brown people law is unconstitutional for several reasons:

(1) On the books the law looks like it can apply to anyone who the police think man not be a legal citizen. But the law fails to state what standard the police are to judge who may be a citizen. What is the criteria? What are the elements? The law states that race cannot be the only factor which leaves open the matter that it can be a factor.

(2) A state cannot force an American citizen to provide proof of federal citizenship the federal government has almost exclusive legislative authority with respect to American citizenship and immigration status.

(3) A person cannot be compelled to tell a state cop their American legal status. They have no authority. A person cannot be compelled to incriminate themselves under the 5th and 14th Amendments of the Constitution.

With this new legislation Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash (Canadian) must carry around his prove of residency papers wherever he goes. Until this law is repealed or found unconstitutional Arizona should be boycotted by individuals, corporations including professional sports franchises. Instead of setting some sort of right wing immigration example Arizona should be made an example.

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