Are your papers in order sir?

[Fast_Eddie]

I saw this summery- got it from 538, but it's from the AP

"Here is how the Associated Press summarizes the new immigration law that Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed into law on Friday:

_ Makes it a crime under state law to be in the country illegally by specifically requiring immigrants to have proof of their immigration status. Violations are a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Repeat offenses would be a felony.
_ Requires police officers to "make a reasonable attempt" to determine the immigration status of a person if there is a "reasonable suspicion" that he or she is an illegal immigrant. Race, color or national origin may not be the only things considered in implementation. Exceptions can be made if the attempt would hinder an investigation.
_ Allow lawsuits against local or state government agencies that have policies that hinder enforcement of immigration laws. Would impose daily civil fines of $1,000-$5,000. There is pending follow-up legislation to halve the minimum to $500.
_ Targets hiring of illegal immigrants as day laborers by prohibiting people from stopping a vehicle on a road to offer employment and by prohibiting a person from getting into a stopped vehicle on a street to be hired for work if it impedes traffic."

So, it *requires* proof that you're an American. If you're walking down the street, it is now illegal in AZ to do so without proper identification. Do you have identification that proves you're an American? As I understand it, you could be arrested without such documentation on your person.

Again, we've all agreed that the police can from time to time over step their authority. Do you really want to give them this power? Look at a cop the wrong way and he can drag you in under this law.

This law not only suggests, but "requires" officers to profile based on race.

How 'bout this- it's illegal to hire someone to work for you regardless of their citizenship. It's illegal to stop and ask a homeless guy if he wants to help you dig up a shrub. A crime for that homeless guy to getting in your car and working for you. Does that really sound like America?

[finnbow]

I think the law-abiding Hispanic citizens and legal immigrants in Arizona should just stop carrying an ID with them (or at least say they have none when asked for their ID). That'll screw with the heads of the local Gestapo.

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by finnbow

I think the law-abiding Hispanic citizens and legal immigrants in Arizona should just stop carrying an ID with them (or at least say they have none when asked for their ID). That'll screw with the heads of the local Gestapo.

As long as the law doesn't require all persons to carry proof of citizenship that would be the way to go. The cops would soon get very tired of arresting, booking and then releasing citizens or legal green card holders.

The thing is, I'm thinking that this law will never be enacted. It's a clear usurpation of Federal authority by a state, per the 14th Amendment. I think the Repubs look at this as a win either way. Either the law stands and they claim it as a victory or the law is repealed and they claim it as a plot by "Progressive Commie Socialist Fascists" to illegally increase Democratic voters.

John

[Fast_Eddie]

Originally Posted by Boreas

As long as the law doesn't require all persons to carry proof of citizenship that would be the way to go.

It can't *possibly* madate that everyone cary proof of citizenship at all times. I just got back from a lunch time run. Am I supposed to have my "papers" with me when I'm in my running gear? Glad I live in a free country.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by Fast_Eddie

Glad I live in a free state.

Fixed it for ya, Ed. Just don't cross the border in the southwest corner of your state.

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by Fast_Eddie

It can't *possibly* madate that everyone cary proof of citizenship at all times.

Don't be too sure. If a cop can stop you and demand proof of citizenship and arrest you if you can't then the "crime" would be not possessing proof of citizenship. Are brown people the only ones who must comply? I doubt it. that means everyone who sets foot in Arizona, "The A to Z of Crazy" will have to carry proof of citizenship.

This brings up something else. What exactly is proof of citizenship? I have a Social Security card but many illegals have bogus ones. I have a passport but you don't have to be a citizen to get one of those. I also have a certified copy of my birth certificate but....

a. so does Obama and that's not good enough for the Birthers,
b. I could have been born here but renounced my citizenship in favor of citizenship in the Soviet Union, commie that I am.

John

[Fast_Eddie]

Sure hope the Democrats are marketing this stuff with hispanic voters. Can't imagine this is buying them any friends in that community.

To be clear, I'm completely in favor of immigration reform. It should be comprehensive and should include enforcement at the border and enforcement with employers. It should not make me guilty of a crime if I go for a run witout proof of citizenship.

Hell, do I even have proof of citizenship? I guess I'd have to come up with my Birth Cirtificate. A driver's license certainly isn't proof. Thing is, in AMERICA, you're innocent until proven guilty. At least you used to be. So you didn't have to "prove" anything to keep a cop from hauling you off.

[piece-itpete]

I do believe a passport is proof of citizenship.

Here in Ohio at least, if you're driving you have to have your license on you - it's the law.

It seems to be related somehow.

Pete

[Fast_Eddie]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

I do believe a passport is proof of citizenship.

Here in Ohio at least, if you're driving you have to have your license on you - it's the law.

It seems to be related somehow.

Pete

Pretty sure you need your license on you to drive anywhere. Not sure what that has to do with anything. It's neither a proof of citizenship nor a requirement to have on you at all times. Only when you exercise the privlage that license affords you.

[merrylander]

Whoops, I had to show my citizenship papers to get a passport. I can't recall whether it was here or in Canada that I had to get a professional (doctor, lawyer, Engineer) to attest to my status. All I carry is my SS card, driver's license, and registerd voter card. Got me through the border with no problems. Under the new ID requirements states are required to prove citizenship for driver's licenses or they will not be recognized for bording aircraft, even MD changed and now issues 'different' driver's licenses for illegals.
As to the cries of racism, the group defending illegals is called La Raza (The Race) pot, kettle, black.