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: JURIST - The Paper Chase

Obama criticizes proposed Arizona illegal immigrant law

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

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[JURIST] US President Barack Obama on Thursday expressed opposition to a pending Arizona bill that would require individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants to present valid identification to law enforcement officials. In remarks delivered at a naturalization ceremony, Obama stated that failure to enact federal immigration reform has given rise to laws such as the one under consideration in Arizona: Indeed, our failure to act responsibly at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others. And that includes, for example, the recent efforts in Arizona, which threatened to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.Obama's stance on the Arizona law reflects his administration's policy that aims "to bring people out of the shadows." The remarks underscored Democratic opposition to the bill in Arizona. Proponents argue, however, that the law will discourage illegal immigration.The Arizona Senate approved SB1070 earlier this month. Prior to the Senate approval, the Arizona House of Representatives also approved the legislation. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer (R) must decide whether to sign the bill within five days after the Senate passage. On Thursday, Brewer announced a new Arizona border security plan, and declared her support for a 10-point plan supported by US Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jon Kyl (R-AZ). In 2008, Arizona voters defeated a ballot measure dealing with illegal immigrants. The initiative would have revoked the business licenses of employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. Arizona is the most active border crossing point in the US.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on April 23, 2010 (boomark / email).