As hundreds of mostly Hispanic protesters hold vigil outside the state capitol in Arizona, President Obama, this morning, slammed the state’s recently passed immigration bill citing lack of federal action as partially to blame for what he called a “misguided” piece of legislation.
In a brief statement before reporters, the president spoke against SB 1070, which would give police in the state broad new powers to arrest and charge people suspected of being in the country illegally.
He said in part, “Our failure to act responsible at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others. That includes, for example, the recent efforts in Arizona which threaten 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,” the president said at a naturalization ceremony for members of the military.
Those who oppose the bill are urging Governor Jan Brewer to veto the controversial measure that was championed by fellow Republicans. However, the clock is ticking as the governor has until Saturday to act or it becomes law automatically.
The bill would become the nation’s toughest anti-immigration law by requiring police to question people about their immigration status if there’s reason to suspect they’re in the country illegally. It also would make it a state crime for illegal immigrants to not have alien registration documents and allow citizens to sue if they feel the bill is not being properly enforced.
For many in the Latino community it raises fears of the possibility of rampart racial profiling and equates to nothing more than an all out assault on their community.
Phoenix resident and high school sophomore Citlalli Reyes said, “They’re trying too hard to get rid of us.”
Even if the bill passes, many foresee immediate legal challenges. In addressing the issue, Obama said he had “instructed members of my administration to closely monitor the situation and examine the civil rights and other implications of this legislation.”
Ultimately, he stated, the answer lies with the need to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
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