The AZ immigration law in action: why it's a horrible, un-American law

The problem with the Arizona law is that it sets up probable cause as being based solely on skin color. What other means would an officer have for determining that someone has committed the crime of illegal immigration? What other probable cause is there for detaining someone? It's solely skin color and an assumption that there is "an American look" as opposed to an "illegal immigrant look". Do any of my caucasian friends think they'll be stopping us and asking for proof of residency? What does a real American look like?

Skin color ALONE is not probable cause.

I've had several debates with people who are frustrated by the problem of illegals, and I'm entirely sympathetic. If we as a society are going to make promises to our citizens of universal health care, schooling and such (as i believe we should), then it cannot be a global offer.

I think we're overdue on real immigration reform. My objection to the AZ law is that its a knee-jerk, half-assed attempt that hurts the Constitution. That document is too important to be trifled with.

The problem reaches farther than immigration. What if a future President decides to single out white guys with short hair because they look like terrorist Tim McVeigh? Or they single out gun owners? Or teenagers that wear a lot of black? In America, there has to be real proof that a crime has been committed in order for law enforcement to intervene in your life. They can't do it based on how you look.

Now, this law ought to be DOA in the courts anyway. The Constitution explicitly states that immigration is a federal power, not a state one. A state has no power to enforce immigration law. So on that, and that alone, the law is unconstitutional.

Fresh off the heels of the new law, a US citizen stopping to get his truck checked at a weigh station in AZ was arrested when he wasn't able to produce a birth certificate. He had a valid driver's license and Social Security card, but because he didn't carry a BIRTH CERTIFICATE, he was hauled off in cuffs.

AZ Family

A Valley man says he was pulled over Wednesday morning and questioned when he arrived at a weigh station for his commercial vehicle along Val Vista and the 202 freeway.

Abdon, who did not want to use his last name, says he provided several key pieces of information but what he provided apparently was not what was needed.

He tells 3TV, “I don't think it's correct, if I have to take my birth certificate with me all the time.”

3TV caught up with Abdon after he was released from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in central Phoenix. He and his wife, Jackie, are still upset about what happened to him.

Jackie tells 3TV, “It's still something awful to be targeted. I can't even imagine what he felt, people watching like he was some type of criminal.”

Abdon was told he did not have enough paperwork on him when he pulled into a weigh station to have his commercial truck checked. He provided his commercial driver’s license and a social security number but ended up handcuffed.

Both were born in the United States and say they are now both infuriated that keeping important documents safely at home is no longer an option.

This is not OK. You shouldn't be arrested for not carrying a birth certificate. Do any of my white friends on here carry theirs?