Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
Some Texas lawmakers are considering it:
Less than an hour after the period began for filing bills for consideration in the 2011 Legislative session, State Rep. Debbie Riddle (R-Tomball), a leader of the newly muscular conservatives in the Legislature, filed an 'Arizona style' measure that would crack down on illegal immigration, 1200 WOAI news reports.
Riddle says her measure is a response to what she says is the escalating violence caused by Mexican and Latin American gangs in Texas...
The measure would be similar to Arizona's controversial SB 1070, in that it would require that local police work with federal immigration officials in determining the legal status of a person who is in their custody.
"If that individual is already being detained, because of another crime, then that officer can inquire as to one's immigration status," Riddle said...
Republicans will hold 99 of the 150 seats in the Texas House when the biennial session is gaveled into order January 11th, the largest GOP majority in the Texas House in 140 years.
But I don't think an Arizona-style immigration law is in the cards for Texas. Recently reelected Texas Governor Rick Perry, though no softy on immigration, has spoken out against the Arizona law:
I fully recognize and support a state's right and obligation to protect its citizens, but I have concerns with portions of the law passed in Arizona and believe it would not be the right direction for Texas...Some aspects of the law turn law enforcement officers into immigration officials by requiring them to determine immigration status during any lawful contact with a suspected alien, taking them away from their existing law enforcement duties, which are critical to keeping citizens safe.
Like Riddle, the Texas state rep who wants to crack down on illegal immigration, Perry is worried about "spillover violence" along Texas' 1200 mile border with Mexico. But his mantra on illegal immigration has always been "secure the border" with more federal troops.
Perry, who is in his third term, is the longest serving governor in Texas history. There's been some speculation that he may run for president one day, though he denies it. Whatever his long term political ambitions are, if they are in elected politics, he will need the support of Hispanic voters--and of his traditional base. A majority of Texans support the Arizona immigration law, while Hispanic voters oppose it. But will his base leave him for speaking out against Arizona-style immigration reform? It hasn't so far. Will Hispanics leave him? They very well may.
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May '10
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
Excellent. Now if New Mexico joins them that will cover most of the Southern border.
California Here They Come.....
Jul '10
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
I love these hypotheticals, but here's a relevant piece of data:
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer was re-elected this year in a landslide 55-42.
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
Michael Tee: I love these hypotheticals, but here's a relevant piece of data:
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer was re-elected this year in a landslide 55-42. · Nov 9 at 5:34am
Perry was reelected in a landslide too, by the exact same margin--55-42. And he came out against the Arizona law before the election, and has been more delicate in his approach to immigration than Brewer.
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed. :
...
The measure would be similar to Arizona's controversial SB 1070, in that it would require that local police work with federal immigration officials in determining the legal status of a person who is in their custody.
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
David Limbaugh
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed. :
...
The measure would be similar to Arizona's controversial SB 1070, in that it would require that local police work with federal immigration officials in determining the legal status of a person who is in their custody.
Nov 9 at 5:48am
But David, don't you think that the Arizona law was at least superficially controversial in that it created controversy? I bring this up because I can see why Perry, from a political perspective, would want to distance himself from such controversy, which he may see as divisive.
Aug '10
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
Not to pick nits here (though nit-picking is a time-honored America tradition) - it could be argued the Arizona law was "controversial' simply because those in control of the language (the left/MSM) deemed it to be "controversial." It certainly isn't controversial to me. Or to most of the folks I know here in Tennessee. Nor would it be controversial to my frineds and family back home in Texas. "Common-sensical" - yes. "Controversial" - not so much.
Part of the battle we face is fighting the folks who think the dictionary belongs to them and them alone.
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
I am with David Limbaugh. There should be nothing controversial about encouraging state law enforcement officials to cooperate with federal officials in enforcing federal law. What Rick Perry did was disgraceful. It undercut the legitimate efforts of Jan Brewer and others in Arizona. It lent aid to those in the Obama administration who are intent on subverting the distinction between citizens, documented aliens, and illegal immigrants. Rick Perry, who has openly talked about secession from the United States, has no business running for the Presidential nomination of the Republican Party. His stand on the Arizona law is yet another indication that he is unqualified for such a run.
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
Prof Rahe, I'd be curious about what your opinion was of Meg Whitman's opposition to the Arizona law during her campaign?
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed.
David Limbaugh
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed. :
...
The measure would be similar to Arizona's controversial SB 1070, in that it would require that local police work with federal immigration officials in determining the legal status of a person who is in their custody.
But David, don't you think that the Arizona law was at least superficially controversial in that it created controversy? I bring this up because I can see why Perry, from a political perspective, would want to distance himself from such controversy, which he may see as divisive. · Nov 9 at 6:19am
Emily: Yes, it is "superficially controversial" because it ended up in controversy. But I think Songwriter and Professor Rahe reinforce the more important aspects of this, including the use of language. Controversial used to mean that something was inherently controversial. The left always fights like he** for every last issue and declares, after the fact, that everything they're in the minority on (quite a few things, btw), is controversial. By so framing it, they imply their position is more reasonable than it is. Now, as it turns out, your seemingly innocuous post has become "controversial."
Jun '10
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
Kozak: Excellent. Now if New Mexico joins them that will cover most of the Southern border.
California Here They Come..... · Nov 9 at 5:30am
The City of Albuquerque has already revoked its status as a sanctuary city. We have a new Republican governor more apt to control the border than outgoing Clintonista, Bill Richardson. In addition, unlike other border states we enjoy a natural buffer of trackless, desert wilderness to the south. If illegal immigration is a flood, New Mexico provides barely a dribble.
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
David Limbaugh
Emily: Yes, it is "superficially controversial" because it ended up in controversy. But I think Songwriter and Professor Rahe reinforce the more important aspects of this, including the use of language. Controversial used to mean that something was inherently controversial. The left always fights like he** for every last issue and declares, after the fact, that everything they're in the minority on (quite a few things, btw), is controversial. By so framing it, they imply their position is more reasonable than it is. Now, as it turns out, your seemingly innocuous post has become "controversial." · Nov 9 at 7:06am
I agree with you and I think you make a great point. But--and I ask this sincerely--why do you think Rick Perry was so quick to distance himself from the law? His conservative credentials are pretty good, I'd say. Was it just politics? But election season is over, and I doubt that he'll reverse his position on the Arizona law, or his immigration strategy, in general. Could it be that he thinks there is a better conservative approach to immigration reform?
Edited on Nov 9, 2010 at 7:22amJul '10
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
One of the many reasons Dubya lost conservatives and Juan McCain never had them was their softness about illegal immigration, a weakness it now appears Perry shares; sadly, right as I was beginning to warm up to him. If it has been this hard to get a fence up across the southern border, a goal to which all politicians pay lip service, how hard will it be to send home those in the country illegally? Obama has said he is holding bolder security hostage to comprehensive immigration reform, a position which it seems Perry gives winking assent. Many will recall that Ronald Reagan agreed to amnesty in return for border security. A show of hands from those who remember how that worked out.
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
I would say that GWB lost conservatives for many, many other reasons, and that he won his elections in large part because of his stance on immigration.
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed.
why do you think Rick Perry was so quick to distance himself from the law? His conservative credentials are pretty good, I'd say. Was it just politics? But election season is over, and I doubt that he'll reverse his position on the Arizona law, or his immigration strategy, in general. Could it be that he thinks there is a better conservative approach to immigration reform? ·
Emily: I haven't followed Perry that much, but the non-cynical side of me wonders whether he subscribes to the same misguided view on the matter as President Bush, whose position I believe was heartfelt, but wrongheaded.
I think some "open-borders" conservatives like the WSJ editors tend to downplay security and rule of law concerns because of a near obsessive emphasis on economic and business issues. I think others fall into the category of bleeding hearts, who allow their sympathy for foreigners who want to enter this country to override their thinking on security and the law.
These are just guesses. I don't know for sure what truly drives Perry on this -- or Bush, for that matter. But his new book may reveal it. Who knows?
Jul '10
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
Lest we think that only lily-white politicians like Perry equivocate about SB 1070, it is instructive to note that the GOP's new golden boy, Marco Rubio, is also "troubled" by the law:
"Everyone is concerned with the prospect of the 'reasonable suspicion' provisions, where individuals can be pulled over because someone suspects that they may not be legal in this country. I think over time people will grow uncomfortable with that."
On the prospect of suspects showing documentation to police to prove they are legal, Rubio said, "That's not really something that Americans are comfortable with, the notion of a police state."
Well, Marco, not "everyone" is concerned. Speak for yourself - out of whichever side of your mouth you're using at the moment.
Edited on Nov 9, 2010 at 9:18amMay '10
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed. : Recently reelected Texas Governor Rick Perry, though no softy on immigration, has spoken out against the Arizona law:
Y'all talk as if Perry is obviously dodging the issue, but the above strikes me as a fair point. Illegal immigration is so rampant down here that our police and jail system would be overwhelmed if they became the primary enforcers of immigration law. I live nextdoor to Tomball, where Riddle is from, and the illegals lining up on our roads aren't the half of it.
I want Riddle's law passed, but it will mean our state's budget will need some major adjustments.
Edited on Nov 9, 2010 at 9:54amJul '10
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed.
Michael Tee: I love these hypotheticals, but here's a relevant piece of data:
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer was re-elected this year in a landslide 55-42. · Nov 9 at 5:34am
Perry was reelected in a landslide too, by the exact same margin--55-42. And he came out against the Arizona law before the election, and has been more delicate in his approach to immigration than Brewer. · Nov 9 at 5:46am
Is this an argument? More delicate, or agrees with you more?
Fact is, Brewer was "indelicate" in her approach, as she actually signed SB1070 into law and won despite the assertions that you make that it would hurt Perry should he sign it into law. Let's look at the Hispanic population of each state: Arizona 30.8%; Texas 36.8% . Where would the voters be that would defeat Perry?
Secession was a right that was reserved to the states. Almost 1/3 of Texans support this view.
Edited on Nov 9, 2010 at 10:36amMay '10
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
I like Perry, overall. Paul might hold the secession reference against him, but I don't. And most Texans don't. Few here actually hope for secession or would make any move in that direction anytime soon, but the federal government is a bully that will just keep taking until someone stands up to it. We need our state governments to tell them we won't go along with any injustice they dream up. The way our country is headed, acts of civil disobedience are not that far off. Our country will not be saved from Washington.
I do think Perry places too much hope in federal support on the border. While the feds sit on their heels, Texas should send more state officers to patrol the violent areas.
Jun '10
Re: Arizona-Style Immigration Law for Texas?
"...turn law enforcement officers into immigration officials by requiring them to determine immigration status during any lawful contact..."
I was under the impression that the law allowed officials to determine immigration status, making Perry's assertion seem more Draconian.