I have never been that interested in immigration laws. Can't really say I was for or against it. I always just saw both sides, rule of law vs. recognizing reality that illegal immigrants are here and aren't going to leave. I just never felt the need to spend the mental bandwidth to work through those two competing values and come up with a position. Two things have changed my attitude from apathetic to something close to crazed activist. AZ's new law, and adopting a son, who happens to be of Hispanic descent.
Arizona's law states that a person can be detained for questioning if a police officer suspects that person is here illegally. Police already have the right to arrest someone for breaking the law, any law. Why did Arizona feel the need for a new law? To provide cover for rounding up Hispanics for questioning. The state is not allowed to demand your papers in this county. Walking down the street while being brown does not constitute reasonable cause for harassment. Except for Arizona now.
I have a few suggestions that may help Arizona solve some of the legal issues associated with the new law. They could provide a special card for people of Hispanic descent describing there immigration status, what activities they can legally do, and where they can legally go throughout the country. Then to save time for the police officers, once you are properly registered they can issue you a special symbol you can wear to identify yourself. (I hear a yellow star has worked in the past.) Of course wearing the symbol could be faked so there may still be the occasional questioning by the well meaning police officers. Just fewer questions than if you didn't wear the designation.
This constant policing of Hispanics would quickly become a burden on the tax payers of Arizona. Leading to resentment of Hispanics, we wouldn't want that. Probably should set up some designated housing for them. These camps should probably have controlled access as there may be a bad element in the camps or looking to go to the camps. Hey its a gated community. Every ones dream home I am sure. Plus, these camps would provide work opportunities for Hispanics. I mean who wouldn't want work in this economy. I mean someone has to clean out the ovens.
People ask how the Holocaust happened in Germany. People ignored the preceding steps. It wasn't the biggest problem of the day. They didn't have the bandwidth to think about an issue that didn't affect them. (Guilty) This is how it starts.
I don't live in Arizona. I go to Spring Training one weekend a year. Not going until this is fixed is really the extent of what I can do to boycott the state. (I am sure my 2 nights of hotel, meals, and tickets to the Giants games will break them.) I can also ask others to do there little part and not spend one dime in Arizona until this is fixed.
Thank you