It Takes a Leader...Thank-You Arizona
Thomas Scopel
May 19, 2010
In my opinion, Arizona has the right and proper idea. However, it should not have come to this point and be forced to do the federal government´s work. But, it has and it did. Amid all the controversy, boycotts, lawsuits, and various other threatening gestures that have been discussed and tossed directly at their new immigration bill, there is one single thing that seems to be avoided. The fact that a majority of America is actually applauding this new law and whole heartily agree with it.
For quite some time now, America´s immigration policy has been under fire and rightly so. For, the federal laws pertaining to it may have seemed strong on paper but in action were quite lackluster. Many illegals have literally and simply strolled across America´s imaginary borders unscathed and easily infiltrated the working economy relatively untouched. This is a travesty.
First of all, I am and will always be a proponent of enlightening one´s life and I do feel that these illegals have every right to do so too. However, it is that one single word, "illegal," that is quite bothersome. If these illegals would simply abide by the rules and laws set forth, and thus begin the path to either citizenship or seek a work visa, the need for action that Arizona felt would and could have easily been avoided. And, if these laws and rules were enforced at the federal level, as they should have been, the discussion of illegal immigration would not be as volatile of a topic as it more recently has become.
But, they haven´t and the great state of Arizona has. Personally, I commend them. Too long has the American voice been ignored by the federal government when the subject of illegal immigration was on the table and it has now come to the point that states aren´t going to waste their time waiting for an answer that never seems to come. Basically, these states are quite tired of hearing that "the check is in the mail," and have chosen to take matters into their own hands. Arizona is simply the first to do so. I would wager to say that in the near future, many other states will certainly follow Arizona´s lead.
One of the primary arguments that has been, and is still being discussed, concerning this new bill is the concept that it will lead to racial profiling. Let´s be blunt, shall we. I highly doubt that Arizona´s law enforcement agencies will act similarly to that of Germany during Hitler´s rein and simply seek out illegals in order for them to show their "papers." Of course, when any person, illegal or not, is pulled over for a traffic infraction, a driver´s license, (a completely legal document), is required to be shown. And, this is probably when and where the fact that the person driving is an actual illegal will come to light. What happens if a crime, or suspicion of, has been committed and a law enforcement officer simply asks for identification? Same principle applies. If the illegal has no identification, then they should be treated as such and arrested for being illegally in the country.
But, it isn´t just the illegal´s fault that they are here illegally either. Much of the fault also lies with various companies that employ them. If, these jobs were not allowed to be taken by illegals, then, the illegals would basically have no means of income and be literally forced to abide by the laws and rules. This is where the lack of enforcement, as well as the almighty dollar, equally comes into play. These types of companies know that they can usually and easily get away with both aspects. By paying a substandard wage, they are able to increase the company´s financial bottom line. And, with literally no enforcement of the rules and laws, they are able to get away with it. This is not fair to either Americans or the many legal immigrants who make every attempt to adhere to the rules and laws and who are actually paying their fair share in taxes and thus, contributing as a whole toward the rebuilding of the economy. But, the enforcement isn´t there and without it, this will certainly continue.
Why isn´t this enforced? The basic and simple common answer in many eyes is that the federal government has dropped the ball and not stringently followed up with their implemented policies, choosing to turn a blind eye in most cases and thus, allowing it to occur. Of course, I don´t know…but, would agree that this would probably fall into the same category and mentality that Washington DC has always seemed to have…"business as usual." Although, it probably could also have something to do with the political aspects, such as special interests, and the wanting to avoid the offending of an illegal person who has no right to be in America in the first place and if this is the case then the application to the American rights should not apply at all.
Regardless, the time has come for somebody or some thing to step up, take action, and become a leader. And, that somebody or something just so happened to be the state of Arizona. In their eyes, with their border location proximity, as well as, their ever-increasing illegal population dilemma, they chose to take matters into their own hands… LEGALLY, and not sit idly by waiting for the federal government to address the situation…that never seems to get solved.
For quite some time now, America´s immigration policy has been under fire and rightly so. For, the federal laws pertaining to it may have seemed strong on paper but in action were quite lackluster. Many illegals have literally and simply strolled across America´s imaginary borders unscathed and easily infiltrated the working economy relatively untouched. This is a travesty.
First of all, I am and will always be a proponent of enlightening one´s life and I do feel that these illegals have every right to do so too. However, it is that one single word, "illegal," that is quite bothersome. If these illegals would simply abide by the rules and laws set forth, and thus begin the path to either citizenship or seek a work visa, the need for action that Arizona felt would and could have easily been avoided. And, if these laws and rules were enforced at the federal level, as they should have been, the discussion of illegal immigration would not be as volatile of a topic as it more recently has become.
But, they haven´t and the great state of Arizona has. Personally, I commend them. Too long has the American voice been ignored by the federal government when the subject of illegal immigration was on the table and it has now come to the point that states aren´t going to waste their time waiting for an answer that never seems to come. Basically, these states are quite tired of hearing that "the check is in the mail," and have chosen to take matters into their own hands. Arizona is simply the first to do so. I would wager to say that in the near future, many other states will certainly follow Arizona´s lead.
One of the primary arguments that has been, and is still being discussed, concerning this new bill is the concept that it will lead to racial profiling. Let´s be blunt, shall we. I highly doubt that Arizona´s law enforcement agencies will act similarly to that of Germany during Hitler´s rein and simply seek out illegals in order for them to show their "papers." Of course, when any person, illegal or not, is pulled over for a traffic infraction, a driver´s license, (a completely legal document), is required to be shown. And, this is probably when and where the fact that the person driving is an actual illegal will come to light. What happens if a crime, or suspicion of, has been committed and a law enforcement officer simply asks for identification? Same principle applies. If the illegal has no identification, then they should be treated as such and arrested for being illegally in the country.
But, it isn´t just the illegal´s fault that they are here illegally either. Much of the fault also lies with various companies that employ them. If, these jobs were not allowed to be taken by illegals, then, the illegals would basically have no means of income and be literally forced to abide by the laws and rules. This is where the lack of enforcement, as well as the almighty dollar, equally comes into play. These types of companies know that they can usually and easily get away with both aspects. By paying a substandard wage, they are able to increase the company´s financial bottom line. And, with literally no enforcement of the rules and laws, they are able to get away with it. This is not fair to either Americans or the many legal immigrants who make every attempt to adhere to the rules and laws and who are actually paying their fair share in taxes and thus, contributing as a whole toward the rebuilding of the economy. But, the enforcement isn´t there and without it, this will certainly continue.
Why isn´t this enforced? The basic and simple common answer in many eyes is that the federal government has dropped the ball and not stringently followed up with their implemented policies, choosing to turn a blind eye in most cases and thus, allowing it to occur. Of course, I don´t know…but, would agree that this would probably fall into the same category and mentality that Washington DC has always seemed to have…"business as usual." Although, it probably could also have something to do with the political aspects, such as special interests, and the wanting to avoid the offending of an illegal person who has no right to be in America in the first place and if this is the case then the application to the American rights should not apply at all.
Regardless, the time has come for somebody or some thing to step up, take action, and become a leader. And, that somebody or something just so happened to be the state of Arizona. In their eyes, with their border location proximity, as well as, their ever-increasing illegal population dilemma, they chose to take matters into their own hands… LEGALLY, and not sit idly by waiting for the federal government to address the situation…that never seems to get solved.
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