Arizona New Immigration Law: Arizonas Misdemeanor for Illegal Entry

Surprised to learn this morning that Arizona has not had a state law making it a violation to be in the U.S. without proper documentation. Wouldn't you think all states would support a law making it illegal to be there without proper documentation? Now, Arizona lawmakers have passed some legislation said to be one of the toughest in the country.

New Arizona Immigration Laws

Foreign nationals will be required to carry proof of legal residency, and police powers are granted to "stop and verify" anyone's immigration status, if there is "reasonable suspicion." Source: Wall Street Journal.

The bill is different from an earlier version, giving protections for church and community organizations from criminal prosecution for transporting or harboring illegal immigrants...

The bill in some ways toughens up a situation that the Obama administration had tried to roll back. Under a program known as 287g, some local law enforcement agencies were trained to enforce federal immigration laws by checking suspects' immigration status.

This source says the offense for not having proper documentation is a misdemeanor! Does that mean a couple of days in jail and then back out on the streets?

The bill is sponsored by Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, who is one of Arizona’s loudest voices opposing illegal immigration.  Pearce’s bill also tries to crack down on employment opportunities for illegal immigrants by prohibiting people from blocking traffic when they seek or offer day-labor services on street corners.

This source is very concerned about the effect of the new law on the U.S. born children whose fathers will be deported. It "isn't constitutional," says the article. The children of illegals get many taxpayer benefits - like food and clothing and medical care. I would like to tell this writer that I am concerned about the children whose parents are legally in this country, no matter their ethnicity.

Remember when Obama tried to take policing powers from Arizona sheriff, Joe Arpaio? The good Sheriff puts his offenders in pink jail attire and feeds them on 20 cents a day? To many of us, Arpaio is a hero.

The bill still needs to be signed into law by Governor Jan Brewer (R). The ACLU says it will sue Arizona should it become law.