What’s Wrong With the Arizona Immigration Bill? Nothing

Until somebody comes up with something better, there’s nothing wrong with a tough, fair bill.

Hypothetical situation: There’s a guy down in Mexico who wants to come to America to work — specifically on a golf course in Tucson. He knows he can make more than $2 an hour working on a golf course maintenance crew, and he’s willing to bust his butt to do so. To him, the money earned means a better life. Good for him!

One problem: The guy sneaks across the Mexico/U.S. border to Arizona to get the job. He supplies the golf course superintendent with fake documentation to get hired. The guy from Mexico gets the job, rents an apartment and is happy with his new life.

This is why I’m in favor of Arizona’s new immigration law that aims to identify, prosecute and deport illegal aliens. The critics say the bill discriminates against Mexicans and Hispanics. But I say the bill seeks to stop the cheaters like the guy in this hypothetical story, who took a job that could’ve gone to a Mexican who wanted to come here legally to work and live.

We have a big problem with illegal aliens in this country, whether they’re Mexican or Canadian. They’re sneaking into the country unlawfully. We need to do something about it. Since the federal government hasn’t, the state of Arizona has. The bill might not be perfect, but it has sure gotten people’s attention. Besides, is there a perfect bill?

In the law, there’s this provision: “For any lawful contact made by a law enforcement official or a law enforcement agency…where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States, a reasonable attempt shall be made, when practicable, to determine the immigration status of the person…”

Can someone tell me what’s wrong with this?

Some critics feel the law is an open invitation to harassment. I disagree. That said, I agree there will be a huge problem if police officers begin harassing people. They had better use common and lawful sense.

I’m all for Mexicans, Canadians, Brazilians and Lithuanians coming to the United States – legally. If they go through the legal process to come there, we should welcome them with open arms. But they’re not doing that. They’re not being accountable.

So what’s wrong with a tough bill to make them think about doing the right thing?