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Arizona governor signs controversial illegal immigration bill

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

[JURIST] Arizona Governor Jan Brewer (R) on Friday signed into law a controversial bill that would require any individual suspected of being an illegal immigrant to present valid identification to law enforcement officials. The bill gives police officers permission to determine the immigration status of any individual who arouses reasonable suspicion, criminalizes the hiring of illegal immigrants for day labor, and allows citizens to sue the local government if they believe the policy is not being used properly. Brewer signed the bill despite criticism from US President Barack Obama earlier in the day that the measure, "threaten to undermine basic notions of fairness." The bill will take effect in 90 days. The bill was approved earlier this month by the Arizona Senate and the House of Representatives. Earlier this week, 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).