May 3rd, 2010

Arizona Immigration Law SB1070 2010 and American “May Day” Rally in LA.  60,000 immigrants and their supports turned out for L.A.’s May Day Immigration Rally on May 1, making it the largest ever according to an article published in the LA Times Saturday. The peaceful but animated march proceeded through downtown Los Angeles to city hall in protest of the new Arizona legislation regulating immigration in Arizona.

The new legislation makes it a crime to be in Arizona without legal status and requires police to check for immigration papers. Despite the enormity of the crowd, the march was a peaceful one; police reported only two arrests for minor offenses.

It appears that people are gathering all over the United States to demand better reform for immigration. The protest argues that it will not only encourage racial profiling in the US, but it is unfair for those immigrants who have lived here illegally for many years and lead productive lives.

While many are in agreement that something must be done, few agree on just exactly what. Is it unfair to deport an illegal who has been living a productive life and contributing to society? Or is it unfair to allow them to live here illegally and go on living that life, setting an example to others that they need not be “legal”?

The many issues surrounding illegal immigration only begin with immigration papers – there are other issues as well, like employers who seek out illegal immigrants for cheaper labor, taking jobs from American citizens.

It appears the entire system needs to be examined and restructured. This is likely only the beginning of immigration reform, I expect we’ll see many more steps before a working legislation is put into place. 

Source:

LA Times