On the eve when a controversial Immigration Reform Law was about to go into effect in Arizona - a Judge presiding over the proceedings - handed down a ruling a short while ago that effectively blocks a handful of sections of the Act from being enforced in response to outcries from Immigrant Rights Advocates.
To some legal eagles, the ruling amounts to an outright victory for opponents to the landmark reform bill, who took the position that the passing of the legislation would lead to racial profiling in the mean streets of Arizona.
In addition, many were up-in-arms over one section of the Bill which would have empowered Law Enforcement to check for legal Immigrant status once an individual had been flagged down for a legitimate violation - such as a broken tail-light on their vehicle - believe it or not.
After I witnessed an event by the side of the highway in Las Vegas just last week, it became evident to me that if given too much leeway, Law Enforcement Officers may abuse their authority.
Post: 07/04/10
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/07/arizona-immigration-lawnevada-highway.html
Post: 07/07/10
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/07/arizona-immigration-lawjustice-dept.html
In particular, Civil Rights groups were seeing red over provisions that would have required motorists from foreign countries to carry proof of their legal right to be in the country which some thought harkened back to the era of Hitler and the Nazi's when citizens were stopped at whim for a look-see at their "papers".
In addition, the prudent Jurist gave a thumbs down in respect to a provision that would have disallowed undocumented workers from soliciting work in public places.
However, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton did not toss the baby out with the bath water.
Some aspects of the law will go into effect on Thursday, while others have been placed on hold, until the courts have the opportunity to resolve the legality (and constitutionality) of the more pressing issues.
Senator Brewer (Arizona) - the driving force behind the controversial Immigration Reform Bill - remain undaunted in the wake of the news from the Federal Courthouse.
"It's a temporary bump in the road, we will move forward, and I'm sure that after consultation with our counsel we will appeal," Brewer told the Associated Press.
"The bottom line is we've known all along that it is the responsibility of the Feds and they haven't done their job so we were going to help them do that."
Protestors in the streets were quick to chant their two cents worth in the open streets outside the courthouse after the ruling was announced.
"Migrants, hang on, the people are rising up!"
Huh?
In essence, the Government seeks to overturn the law on a couple of legitimate grounds.
For starters, the Barack administration felt that Arizona was intruding on their exclusive turf - and for obvious reasons - the actions of the Arizona upstarts needed to be nipped in the bud.
Lawyers also argued that letting the Arizona law stand would create a patchwork of immigration laws nationwide that would needlessly complicate political and social ties with foreign nations such as Mexico.
On the other hand, Brewer's lawyers have stated for the record that Arizona shouldn't have to suffer from America's broken immigration system when it has 15,000 police officers who can arrest illegal immigrants.
The old truism comes to mind.
"When you want something done, you have to do it yourself."
Senator Brewer and citizens of Arizona have attempted to do just that and got a slap in the face for their bold-faced efforts.
Shame!
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