Furthermore, if the bill does go into law, I believe that it will wreak havoc on already strained community relations. It will make people view their harmless neighbors and co-workers as the enemy: dangerous criminals to be rounded up and sent away. As anti-immigrant sentiment grows, latinos will become fearful and hesitant to report crimes to the authorities or participate in their community. It's shocking to see how easily Americans have forgotten their own immigrant heritage and are so eager to blame all of their problems on the "wetbacks."
Not only that, but this bill is so loosely worded that it gives the police too much power. How exactly will the police establish "reasonable suspicion" anyway? If you have dark skin, speak english with an accent, or dress a little differently, is that suspicion enough? Or if somebody tells the police that you're not from this country and are probably illegal, will the cops break down your door and put handcuffs on you and your grandmother? It can happen; the bill authorizes the police to arrest people WITHOUT a warrant if they believe they are illegal. Not Cool!
It has further reprecussions on people here legally: If I give my "illegal" next door neighbor a ride to the supermarket and get pulled over by the cops, they can arrest me too for "smuggling" human beings.
This new bill is not going to get rid of dangerous drug cartels, extortionsists, and murderers. It will, however, terrorize ordinary people (including those here legally) and perpetuate anti-immigrant sentiment.
We all know that illegal immigration needs to be stopped, but this is not an acceptable or effective means. Benjamin Franklin's quote seems especially fitting: "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
"All you have to do in Arizona is come out with anything that's anti-immigrant and you will be in good shape in the polls" -L.A. Times article about immigrants and crime rates
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