How wrong is it? Arizona's new law is upsetting some, but are they really right?

Is it really so horrible a transgression to allow law enforcement officers the opportunity to question someone they feel might be in this country illegally?

It might be an inconvenience, much like those pesky traffic stops where officers check for license, registration and insurance, but is it really an egregious civil rights violation?

The people of Arizona seem not to think so, and they are supporting a new law that gives law enforcement officers the power to check someone at random based on their suspicions to see if he or she is in this country illegally. And why shouldn't they?

Critics say it is racial profiling. Well, yes, that is how that works. The predominant ethnic group involved in sneaking across this country's borders is Hispanic. So, that is the profile that is going to be checked first if there is reason to be suspicious. And why shouldn't we -- and those Hispanic/Americans who are here legally -- want to see those who have broken our laws dealt with appropriately? Illegal immigration is an expensive problem. We have to police borders, arrest and deport violators and deal with the social problems that involve them. All that costs money.

Illegal immigrants are not persecuted innocents. They are lawbreakers who use this country as a home address, but do not follow the rules that are required to become a citizen or legal visitor here.

It is time we stop pussyfooting around and create an immigration effort that works -- and some strict deportation and enforcement polices that deter illegal immigration. Arizona's law is an interesting first step.

And as far as Mexico's threat in the wake of the immigration law change in Arizona goes, there are two very important words to remember: Who cares.

No country should ever blackmail us into any policy.

Published in Editorials on April 27, 2010 9:35 AM