Protection or Profiling?

During the summer of 2007, Dora and I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona on business (but took in the sights as well). In today's post, I have included some pics of that trip as a “tribute” to a state we now refuse to visit in protest to the new immigration law.

It is a sad day, indeed, for the state of Arizona. Governor Jan Brewer (R) signed the immigration bill into law. What does this law mean for our raza in Arizona? Among other things, the law allows the authorities to demand proof of legal entry into the U.S. from anyone suspected of being in the country illegally. Check out the language used in the bill. It “requires police officers, if they form a ‘reasonable suspicion’ that someone is an illegal immigrant, to determine the person’s immigration status.” 'REASONABLE SUSPICION?' What the hell is 'reasonable suspicion?'

I speak Spanish part of the time. However, my grandmother speaks Spanish all of the time. Could the fact that she speaks Spanish all of the time trigger this ‘reasonable suspicion,’ even though she was born in New Mexico? Could the fact that Dora’s mother speaks Spanish most of the time trigger this ‘reasonable suspicion,’ even though she was born in South Texas? Could someone with darker skin dressed in blue collar worker clothes be an undocumented immigrant? Perhaps an undocumented immigrant could be a very pale European who has overstayed his visa. But do you think the authorities in Arizona are going to detain him for questioning? My answer is no. Why? Because he doesn’t look Mexican…Hispanic…Latino…or whatever label you choose to use.

Interesting how Senator McCain, who had refused to back the most extreme anti-immigration measures (once upon a time), came out in support of bill hours before it was passed! What?! Did the man forget to take his frickin’ Geritol?!

There is a misconception that undocumented immigrants are troublemakers. C’mon, give me a break people! Get real! Typically, undocumented immigrants live in the shadows. They work, try to save money, send some money back home, and avoid the authorities as much as possible for fear of deportation. Why would they sabotage their stay in the U.S. by making trouble? According to Senator McCain, this isn’t the case. As I stated before, the man can’t seem to remember to take his Geritol.

Wanna know what I think of this immigration bill? Having studied the 1960s as a grad student and learning about the social unrest that seemed to permeate the decade, the present seems pretty tame when it comes to race relations. However, the signing of this immigration bill only means one thing (and I will borrow a line from the Old South): THE GRITS ARE GONNA HIT THE PAN!!!!

In my opinion, this law is a sure fire progression toward more racial profiling. Moreover, the racial divide will worsen. It is an open invitation for harassment and discrimination against Hispanics regardless of their citizenship status. And finally, the law will further flame the civil disobedience Hispanics need to get politically involved. Bring it on my Hispanic brethren. ¡Todos, adelante por la causa!

Friends, how many of you have wished to challenge the position of those angry anti-immigrant people who want millions of immigrants deported immediately?  Then the following book is for you!  In "They Take Our Jobs!":  and 20 Other Myths about Immigration, Aviva Chomsky provides you the arguments at your fingertips to counter their charges that immigrants use up our resources, take U.S. jobs, and give nothing in return.  Just so you know, Chomsky is an outspoken advocate of immigrants' rights, primarily undocumented immigrants.  She is also a Professor of History and Coordinator of Latin American Studies at Salem State College.  You can purchase the item by clicking on the book, which will direct you to Amazon (and if you do, I get a nice commission).