Few fans are emerging of the Arizona immigration bill [1] recently passed by Governor Jan Brewer. The law has been pilloried by the President, and recently, Meghan McCain, Janet Napolitano and also the Government of Mexico. The issue needs redress, but the debate thus far is over methods. As it stands, Arizona practically has to run for a personal loan company to deal with the problem as it is.
Janet Napolitano slams Arizona immigration law
Janet Napolitano recently voiced her displeasure with the Arizona immigration law. Napolitano is the head of the Department of Homeland Security, and believes it "is a misguided law." (From CNN .) Illegal immigration reform is an issue that has taken a back burner to other issues, and it appears that the current uproar may push it to the forefront of the Congressional and Presidential agendas before long.
Meghan McCain breaks rank
John McCain might support it, but his daughter Meghan McCain does not. She recently wrote a post on The Daily Beast declaring it a "bad law" and that it "misses the bigger picture of what is really going on with illegal immigration." She also said those who don't see the daily impact of illegal immigration can't grasp the complexity of it, especially when we obviously depend on them without acknowledging it.
Statements from the Government of Mexico
The President of Mexico doesn't support this bill, and thinks Governor Brewer has acted contrary to what the best interests of all involved. A statement was issued by President Felipe Calderon condemning the bill.
"The criminalization of the migration phenomenon, far from contributing to the cooperation and collaboration between Mexico and the U.S., represents an obstacle in the solution of common problems in the border region." - from Christian Science Monitor .
He was not the only Mexican official to condemn the bill. The consensus is that Washington has done little to deal with the problem, and that the general attitude toward immigrants, especially Latin Americans, has been one of hypocrisy and ignorance towards Mexican immigrants and their contributions to American culture.
This isn't the first bill of its kind
Heavy handed legislation targeting immigrants has been tried before. It didn't work then. Many immigrants come here with only a quick payday and good honest sweat in mind. You will find bad apples, to be sure, but a solution not within the best interests of both sides would seem remiss. There is a demand and a supply, for their labor, and nothing stops the Invisible Hand of those forces.
Resources for the article
CNN
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/26/napolitano-takes-aim-at-arizona-immigration-law/?fbid=4xu_vTQFyZ0
The Daily Beast
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-04-25/hate-the-law-not-arizonans/
Christian Science Monitor
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2010/0426/Mexico-issues-sharp-rebuttal-to-Arizona-immigration-law