In Arizona, Immigration Law Fallout Continues

The weather isn’t the only thing that’s heating up down here on the border. As temperatures this week inch closer to the triple-digits, the repercussions of SB 1070  – Arizona’s tough new immigration law – continue to remain center stage. (If you haven’t read the law itself, the link above takes you there. Many people commenting on it haven’t even looked at the language.)

Yesterday, Governor Jan Brewer received an envelope in the mail that contained a “powdery white substance” of an as-yet unconfirmed nature. The possible toxin is being lab tested as of this writing.

The Phoenix Suns have entered the fray, with an expected jersey change tonight as a form of protest to the law. The team will be playing under the spanglish moniker, “Los Suns,” (I can’t help being reminded of this classic Chris Farley bit) after Suns General Manager Steve Kerr made the following remarks:

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“It’s hard to imagine in this country that we have to produce papers,” Kerr said. “It rings up images of Nazi Germany. We understand that the intentions of the law are not for that to happen, but you have to be very, very careful. . . . It’s important that everyone in our state and nation understands this is an issue that needs to be explored. So, we’re trying to expose it.”

In response, local talk show host Garret Lewis made a suggestion of his own this morning:

The Suns are also against SB 1070 and will wear their “Los Suns” jerseys to honor Latinos. I see the logic. It clearly says to go after “Latinos” in SB 1070, right? The Suns owner is from Tucson. I THINK IT’S COMPLETELY UNFAIR THAT THE SUNS MAKE PEOPLE SHOW A TICKET (DOCUMENTATION) TO GAIN ENTRY TO THEIR ARENA TO WATCH THEIR GAMES. DON’T WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE THERE BECAUSE WE’RE HUMAN BEINGS?

For that matter, one wonders whether the Arizona bishops would appreciate uninvited guests breaking into and taking up residency at their respective residences, claiming a “right” to be there. I’m guessing not.

Meanwhile, the Tucson city council has voted 5 to 1 to sue the State of Arizona over SB 1070:

Mayor Bob Walkup said the law is based on a misguided notion illegal immigrants are bad for the area’s quality of life and economy. “Frankly, I don’t believe that’s true,” Walkup said.

Ironically, Walkup’s comments coincide with the revelation made by Arizona State Supervisor Tom Horne that Pima County officials were knowingly busing illegal immigrants into Tucson city schools, at a cost of $6000 tax payer dollars per student per year. According to comments made by Horne on the radio this morning, the State possesses videos showing buses from one Tucson school district picking up students at border crossings. Horne is seeking to have $1.2 million in education funding from the district returned to cover the public money they estimate went to paying for those students illegally in the district.

Also in the news today is the ongoing recovery of Pinal County Sheriff’s deputy Louie Puroll, who was shot with an AK-47 during pursuit of – wait for it – six suspected illegal immigrants smuggling drugs through the area.

The area’s economy and quality of life are unaffected, Mr. Walkup? Could have fooled me.

Author

  • Steve Skojec

    Steve Skojec serves as the Director of Community Relations for a professional association. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he earned a BA in Communications and Theology. His passions include writing, photography, social media, and an avid appreciation of science fiction. Steve lives in Northern Virginia with his wife Jamie and their five children.

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