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Journalism of Courage
Gov Jan Brewer of Arizona signed the nations toughest Bill on illegal immigration into law on Friday. Its aim is to identify,prosecute and deport illegal immigrants. The move unleashed immediate protests and reignited the divisive battle over immigration reform nationally. Even before she signed the Bill at an afternoon news conference here,President Barack Obama criticised it.
Speaking at a naturalisation ceremony for 24 active-duty service members in the Rose Garden,he called for a federal overhaul of immigration laws,which Congressional leaders signaled they were preparing to take up soon,to avoid irresponsibility by others.
The Arizona law,he added,threatened to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans,as well as the trust between police and our communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.
The law,which proponents and critics alike said was the broadest and strictest immigration measure in generations,would make the failure to carry immigration documents a crime and give the police broad power to detain anyone suspected of being in the country illegally. Opponents have called it an open invitation for harassment and discrimination against Hispanics in particular regardless of their citizenship status.
As demonstrators massed at the Capitol Plaza,the Governor,at a state building,said the law represents another tool for our state to use as we work to solve a crisis we did not create and the federal government has refused to fix. The law was to take effect 90 days after the legislative session ends,meaning by August.
While police demands of documents are common in public places,Arizona is the first state to demand that immigrants meet federal requirements to carry identity documents legitimising their presence on US soil. Brewer acknowledged critics concerns,saying she would ensure that the police have proper training to carry out the law.
