Before you read this I ask you to take a deep breath and read the ENTIRE thing. Then spend some time thinking about what I say before you post a reply or make some radical statement. Take lots of deep breaths during this time. If you can’t do that then please don’t even read this article.

Recently, I had the opportunity to express my views on the immigration bill with the Arizona Republic. Now a certain segment have expressed that they disagree with me. I’m fine with that.

However, there are two issues I’d like to clarify regarding my views on the Arizona immigration bill that were not expressed in the article just published.

1. Legal papers – Federal law already mandates that legal aliens carry their green card or immigration papers with them at all times. This has been in effect for a long time. So, the Arizona law is not unique on this. So, stop comparing Arizona to a totalitarian regime people and enough with the boycotts.

2. “Reasonable suspicion” – This is the clause that has the great potential for abuse. However, if you think about it, 30% of the Arizona population is Hispanic. I can not ever imagine a situation where cops will be pulling one in three cars to check on immigration papers. That’s not possible.

From my understanding where this will be applied is when a person is pulled over or picked up for a different incident. In this case the police officer can ask for immigration papers. Now think this through. When you are pulled over the police officer will ask for your drivers license and registration. If you don’t have one then it is reasonable for the officer to ask why and try to arrive at the root cause. If you do but it’s suspicious then the officer can do the same. But if you do and its good then you’re most likely not going to be asked additional questions.

I do admit there is a possibility for abuse. But name one law that does not have a possibility of abuse. I do believe that due to possibility of abuse everyone will be careful on this one. At this point I am willing to give the police the benefit of the doubt.

Having said this. I do believe the law does not address or solve the core problem. The core problem is illegal border crossings. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. The main reason the vast majority of people come here is because of jobs. So, I’m in favor of a zero tolerance law asking employers to check immigration status and eligibility. Just focusing on the illegal immigrants is very unfair and will not solve the problem. However, if the state government took a zero tolerance approach towards employers then we can start addressing the root problem.

I’ve discussed this portion in great detail on a previous post.

Again, take a deep breath. Really think through everything I’ve said and if you think you have a well thought out position please share. Keep in mind I’m not interested in ideological regurgitation from the left or the right.