Thursday, April 29, 2010

Quote of the Day


"Democrats on Capitol Hill held a press conference yesterday to again denounce Arizona’s new anti-illegal immigration law as a “violation of civil rights.” Liberal politicians from the president to city mayors are piling on. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome and Saint Paul, Minnesota, Mayor Chris Coleman have issued travel embargoes against the state for their cities’ employees. Other forms of “economic sanctions” are being discussed.

Coleman called the Arizona law “a dangerous example for the rest of the country,” and lawmakers in other states are considering similar measures. Reuters reports today that amnesty advocates “expect huge weekend rallies across the United States,” in the more than 70 cities for May Day protests.

Many on the Left are charging that the law will create a Nazi-like atmosphere with Arizona cops knocking down doors and demanding to “see your papers.” The argument is completely disingenuous. Current federal law already requires that all legal immigrants carry proof of their immigration status “at all times.” Here’s what the law says:

“Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him pursuant to subsection (d) of this section. Any alien who fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor…”

How can Democrats and liberal commentators denounce a state for adopting and enforcing federal law? Regardless, their “enlightened” opinions are clearly disconnected from the common sense thinking of the American people.

New polling finds that 64% of Arizona voters support the law. Moreover, since she signed it, Governor Jan Brewer’s approval ratings have jumped 16 points. Two weeks ago her approval rating was 40%. Now she’s up to 56%. Nationally, 60% of American voters believe local law enforcement officials should be allowed to verify the immigration status of detained individuals."

Gary Bauer
Campaign for Working Families