Reactions to Arizona

Last month, the State of Arizona passed the strictest anti-immigrant bill into law. This law makes physical presence in Arizona without the proper papers a criminal offense. There are a lot of things wrong with this piece of legislation but there is one thing Arizona did right. This law has brought immigration to forefront of every discussion. Immigration reform has always been a contentious political issue and therefore every politician has played hot potato with it. Neither side has ever come to the table and discussed the issues fairly and with a goal of reform in mind. This exercise in pushing the constitutional boundaries of State governance has lit the proverbial fire under everyone involved. Young people, elderly, small companies, actors, musicians and even sports personalities have all expressed their opinions on this issue. The American Immigration Lawyers Association has canceled a conference in Arizona that was to be held in late July. The oldest black fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, has also moved its conference from Arizona to Las Vegas. The State of Arizona is the black sheep of the family and everyone is trying to teach it a lesson. Unfortunately, not much has been heard from the Capitol. Republicans and Democrats have fired out their opinions on the law but there has yet been a constructive movement towards an amicable solution.

To read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/04/sports/baseball/04rhoden.html