Fil-Am group slams new Arizona law on immigration

CHICAGO – A Filipino-American group has condemned the passage of a new immigration law in the state of Arizona that gives local police the authority to stop anyone they “reasonably" suspect as an immigrant and demand proof of citizenship on the spot or face arrest. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed on April 23 Senate Bill 1070, which states, among others, that immigrants who are unable to produce documents showing they are allowed to be in the US could be arrested, jailed for up to six months, and fined $2,500. Other provisions of the law allow lawsuits against government agencies that hinder enforcement of immigration laws and against persons or groups that hire illegal immigrants for day labor or knowingly transport them. “[The law] is ridiculous and problematic. What gain does it give the state of Arizona? Does it not have any crime-related problems, like theft or illegal drugs, that it has now turned its head on suspected undocumented immigrants?" said lawyer Arnedo S. Valera, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC), in a statement. MHC is one of the several groups opposing the implementation of SB 1070, which they brand as unconstitutional. It said the law could prompt other states to follow suit and pose problems for the migrants in the US. The group said under the US Constitution, immigration violation is a civil offense, and that the government of Arizona has practically criminalized the offense and is therefore unconstitutional. According to the MHC, the presence of millions of undocumented aliens should not be seen as a criminal problem in the US but an economic solution. By passing a law that provides for the legalization of undocumented aliens, the government stands to earn from documentation fees for application of permanent residency and health examination, among others, the group said. “The government stands to earn if these undocumented aliens are allowed to file their applications for permanent residency and US citizenship. Most of all, once legalized, they are duty-bound to pay income taxes every year," Valera explained. He added that immigrants should likewise be treated not just as a financial source but as part of the “wealth of the nation" in light of their contributions to the economy. “Now is the time for unity and contemplation. We urgently ask Congress to pass a law that would lead to the legalization of immigrants in the country. The US government, both state and federal, must unite its citizens, instead of breaking them apart through the irrationality of racism," according to the statement also signed by the group’s other officials. The law was largely perceived to be brought about by the death of rancher Rob Krentz on his property in southeastern Arizona on March 27. Authorities believe Krentz was killed by an illegal border crosser, bringing illegal immigration and border security into greater focus in the state. —KBK, GMANews.TV