Arizona just passed one of the most controversial immigration laws our country has ever seen. A few are outraged, most are relieved. At the heart of this law, and the larger debate which it addresses, is a simple question: where do we draw the line? Arizona is the nation's kidnapping capital. The drug, weapon, and human smuggling cartels are becoming increasingly bold and dangerous. And while we could debate over the economic impact (good or bad) of illegal immigrants, the reality is they are enjoying freedoms and protections that they have not earned while countless others wait patiently in line for their chance to legally enter this great country. These are real problems. They are not going away and they are not getting better. These problems are also difficult to tackle because it would seem that our desire to be a compassionate people is being pitted against principles of justice.No decent human being can look upon the pitiful plight of a desperate family risking everything to cross the border, even illegally, in the hopes of finding something better than what was left behind without feeling sympathetic. And yet, by failing to secure our border and intentionally turning a blind eye to those who manage to make their way over illegally, we have created a black market culture that shortchanges these families. Families, who would otherwise become industrious, law abiding Americans, have found a short cut they don't believe they can afford not to take. But this short cut, one that we have willing provided, never allows them to fully assimilate into our country. It doesn't encourage them to diligently learn our language and adapt to our culture. And it rarely provides the opportunity for a real American dream.
This new law passed in Arizona, contrary to what some think, is not racist. It is not draconian, oppressive, heartless or inhumane. It is not "misguided", as President Obama called it. It simply takes a federal law and reaffirms it as a state law, thus giving the local authorities the ability to enforce the same laws that our federal government has ignored. Let's get some facts straight. The law specifically prohibits officers from stopping any one on the sole bases of race or origin. Officers must have a "reasonable suspicion" that a person is an illegal immigrant using established patterns of behavior before they can ask for proof of citizenship. The idea that Hispanic Americans will be randomly harassed and therefore will now live in a perpetual state fear is absurd. If asked, almost ANY form of ID will be accepted to prove citizenship. This includes drivers licences and social security cards. On top of that, even if you can't provide proof of citizenship, the officer has an obligation to first look you up on computer records that would potentially indicate that you are, indeed, American. Anyone arrested for a crime will now need to prove they are American citizens before being released, simple. This new law isn't harsh, it is undiluted common sense!
One of the most interesting developments with this new law has been the extreme reaction from those who oppose the law, mainly coming from the liberal left. Violence, vandalism, and hatred have defined protests large and small. And the main stream media, which has relentlessly hounded the overwhelmingly peaceful tea parties, looking for any trace of hate or violence so they could fabricate images of unhinged, hateful loons has all but ignored the outrageous antics of these, apparently justified, protesters. The double standard is glaringly obvious and terribly disturbing. It would seem that violence and hate are acceptable to the liberal left as long as you are standing up for what they believe in.
Having family in Arizona, I am keenly aware of the legitimate fears they have of an unprotected border and a law enforcement completely incapable of doing anything about it. Perhaps more than anything this new law sends a clear and unmistakable message to our federal government from the people of Arizona: if you don't take care of these problems, we will. Good for them. I don't believe that adhering to justice requires a sacrifice of compassion. Where we have laws, they must be enforced! Is it not the very principle purpose of government to protect us? If we aren't able to control who enters our country, and if we aren't able to do anything about those who are here uninvited, what is purpose of having sovereignty in the first place? And maybe if we do things right, if we enforce the laws and protect our borders, just maybe those desperate families will skip the shortcuts, make the necessary effort to get here the right way, and find an American dream waiting for them to enjoy. And when they do, we will be here with arms wide open to accept them.
