Immigration firestorm: Legislative bill shines harsh light on state

Opponents protest SB 1070 during a May Day march in downtown Tucson.

Story by Debbie Hadley

Photos by Mike Hawkins

Backlash continues to build since Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed the nation’s harshest anti-immigrant law on April 23.

The bill, which is scheduled to take effect in less than 90 days, requires immigrants to have their alien registration documents on hand at all times. It also allows police officers to ask for documents if they suspect the person of being in Arizona illegally.

“We in Arizona have been more than patient waiting for Washington to act,” Brewer said. “But decades of federal inaction and misguided policy have created a dangerous and unacceptable situation.” 

Pima Community College nursing student Hancel Lopez doubts the bill will ever take effect.

“It’s going to be taken to the Supreme Court and most likely be overturned,” he said. “I don’t think it’s going to go through because right now everybody’s boycotting us. We’re like the racist state, it’s terrible.”

Immigrants unable to show proof of citizenship can be arrested, jailed up to six months and fined $2,500. The new law also forbids employers from hiring known illegal immigrant laborers or transporting them when knowing their status. 

Rachel Woodward, a psychology major said, “Some do come here illegally to work so they can feed their families, and now they’ll be racially profiled and totally harassed.”

A poll taken before the bill was signed into law said 70 percent of likely voters in Arizona approved of the proposed bill. 

The SB 1070 bill has drawn national attention from commentators, with some observers saying Arizona has become a laughing stock. A growing movement seeks to boycott the state, with organizations already cancelling conventions scheduled to be held in Arizona. 

Opponents of the bill cite racial profiling, saying officers would be more likely to question people who look Hispanic. 

“I’m just happy I look white,” nursing major Matt Hollis said. “Are they going to start using paint swatches so they can tell?”

A Tucson police officer filed a federal lawsuit April 29, claiming that the bill violates several constitutional rights. Tucson City Council voted May 4 to sue the state over the bill.

Brewer said she addressed that potential by adding a provision to create training classes for police officers before the law is implemented. 

“Racial profiling is illegal,” Brewer said. “We are going to be very diligent, and we’re going to make absolutely sure that the law … will be implemented properly and respectfully.” 

Residents opposed to the immigration bill march in Tucson on May 1.

Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., vowed to fight the bill. “We’re going to overturn this unjust and racist law,” he told protesters gathered at the state capitol.

President Obama has called the bill a threat to the fairness that Americans cherish and noted the lack of federal help on the immigration issue. 

“Our failure to act responsibly at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others,” he said.

Student Harrison Rawdin, an administration of justice major, noted that some people strongly support the bill.

“They think it’s doing a good thing,” he said. “I just think it’s too questionable.”

Supporters of the immigration bill hold a counter-rally in Tucson.