Activists are out in force against newly proposed drastic laws against undocumented workers in Arizona which may come up for a vote as early as today, March 17th, 2011. For example, SB-1611, “the Immigration Omnibus” proposed by Sen. Pearce (R-AZ) forces businesses owners, police officers, apartment renters, school employees and others to notify ICE when an undocumented immigrant applies. Failure to notify may result in jail time. The law will destroy the rental market, cause racial profiling and force an unsure e-verify law onto the backs of business owners.
Then there is SB 1308 and 1309, introduced by Ron Gould, which excludes children born on US soil to undocumented immigrants from normal citizenship. This law is designed to force a law suit challenging the 14th Amendment. If the law stands, it will leave children born on US soil without a country. They won’t be deportable, since they won’t be citizens of any country. Yet, they won’t have basic rights in the US. like voting, they won’t be able to receive a social security card, or work legally, so they will be forced into an underground economy built for second class citizens.
SB 1405 requires doctors and hospital administrators to verify the immigration status of emergency and non-emergency status patients. Doctors would be required to report to ICE if a patient is not authorized to be in the US, hence discouraging access to basic health care for undocumented workers. Rape victims, for example, would be reticent to report a crime leaving the perpetrator free to prey on a US citzen in time. Sen. Steve Smith (R-AZ) proposed this bill. Doctors have stated their resistance to performing the duties of federal immigration officers and have warned of the increased costs of hiring compliance personnel, when the health care system is unable to meet the basic needs of citizens as it is.
Finally, SB 1407 requires school administrators to collect data about students who are not US citizens. School funding may be withheld to the extent undocumented children go to school. The bill discourages the education of minor undocumented workers, assuring yet another generation of ignorant people who lack the resources to advance from poverty.
Measures similar to these were imposed upon Jews in 1939 Warsaw Poland. The massive loss of rights was a harbinger of much uglier things to come.
Petra Falcon, Director of the human rights group Promise Arizona, sent out a broadcast email to all those who would listen:
“If you thought SB1070 was outrageous, you won’t believe what Arizona's legislature has in store…A long list of anti-immigration bills are scheduled…which would turn everything from schools to hospitals into immigration checkpoints. It also means evicting anyone who houses an undocumented immigrant, denying them the ability to buy or drive a car, and even get married.” Falcon said.
“Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Glenn Hamer testified that these measures will cost the state even more – revenue we can’t afford to lose.” Falcon continued.
Arizona legislators attack undocumented workers as a sure way to win support from an uninformed electorate. While the law makers become famous, their rogue laws, including SB 1070, costs millions of dollars to defend with portions ruled unconstitutional. Meanwhile, with at least 100,000 refuges fleeing Arizona andthe tax base devastated, legislators continue funding law suits rather than paying for basic services like health care to the poor and transplants. At least two people have died after being denied needed transplants.
Massive protests and sit-ins against the law by human right's activists, along with a statement by representatives from business and industry pleading for lawmakers not to pass the bills, many of whom are Republican, suggest those in office have forgetten their obligations to represent the people, rather than their own narrow interests. A recall petition is in process for Sen. Russell Pearce, with others under consideration. Meanwhile, activists request those who oppose piece meal immigration laws call their senator and congressmen poste haste.
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