Ten academic groups, working together as the Consortium of Professional and Academic Associations, today issued a statement condemning Arizona’s recently enacted law to crack down on illegal immigrants. The groups signing the statement are the American Studies Association, the Chicano/Latino Faculty and Staff Association (ASU), the Justice Studies Association, Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social, the National Association for Chicano and Chicana Studies, the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association, the Peace and Justice Studies Association, Psychologists for Social Responsibility, the Society for the Study of Social Problems, and Sociologists Without Borders. The statement follows a new lawsuit and a sit-in on Monday, both protesting the new law.
So what other laws do these associations feel we should not enforce in the US? My understanding is that the AZ law simply allows local enforcement of what the Federal government should do.
Ho, hum. No surprises here.
Arizona was part of Mexico before the Mexican-American war and was ceded to the USA following Mexico’s defeat. Maybe its the Americans that should be arrested and deported to the USA.
Another non-news item posted to this website for us to “ponder.” Of course these organizations objected, as it is in their vested (re: not national) interest to do so. If anything, their condemnation only serves to remind how politically motivated so much of the reaction has been. Police in Arizona already have measures in place to deal effectively with racial profiling. They are expected to exercise good judgment based on realities on the ground. That some might not act professionally is almost inevitable, as with enforcement of any laws of this nature. Should this be cause for concern? Perhaps, but not knee-jerk alarmist hysteria and finger-pointing. Of course, few of the members of these organizations trust law enforcement officials to do the right thing, which is at the heart of the problem.
11351990: Or, maybe, we should enforce our borders in the same manner that Mexico enforces its borders with other Central American states? Your response only confirms suspicions of La Raza inspired backlash to the new state law.
These organizations are highly political. They should not be considered as Academic Associations. Arizona is following the Federal Laws.
Happy to see that these “academic” associations have made usch startling and unexpected statements, given their names and obvious political orientations. I imagine the people of Arizona will be quaking in their beds tonight after hearing this!
One more reason I dropped all of my academic memberships. Call me crazy, but we (the groups and me) were not usually singing the same tune. They are far too politicized.
As a past elect county commissioner in Dodge City, Ks in 1990s I experienced the local cost and challenge of identifying illegal persons. Mostly it was because of gangs and crime and there is no more frustrating position than knowing the only ‘cure’ is 1. assuming the costs at the expense of the county budget, or driving them to the next county so neighbors are obligated. Suggestion: ALL go to area drivers liscense offices and get registered for an ID. We do it even for local kids who need travel IDs! US Citizens have to do that within 30 days of moving. Also develop a ‘good worker’ credit system (references, deeds, family support etc.) for speeding naturalization, but in no case should illegals be let in free with out using a records system. A LARGE amount of public debt is directly owing to the failure of the federal government. Based on real life experience, I am for one thanking Arizona for their leadership
The issue is not with people in the US as non-citizens: yes, they should be carrying their papers with them. The issue is with US citizens who should NOT need to be carrying proof of citizenship all the time. I don’t carry my passport with me, and I was told point-blank by a US official at the Canadian border some years ago that a US driver’s license doesn’t count for anything in terms of proof of citizenship or legal residency in the US.Arizona is mandating that US citizens carry proof of citizenship. That to me is the issue, and it is most definitely not just “enforcing federal law.”
@HealeydPerhaps DL’s, at one time, held the status of not being good for US citizenship. However, I’m not convinced that is the case any longer. When my 15 year old daughter went to get her learner’s permit last year (2009 in MO) and when my older daughter went to get her license (2006 in TX), both had to show a birth certificate AND proof of residency.Also, every US citizen is required to carry ID at all times. True not necessarily a DL or passport, but one could agree they are “papers”. If you read the actual law you would note, and I quote;”A person is presumed to not be an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States if the person provides to the law enforcement officer or agency any of the following:1. A valid Arizona driver license.2. A valid Arizona nonoperating identification license.3. A valid tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification.4. If the entity requires proof of legal presence in the United States before issuance, any valid United States federal, state or local government issued identification.”(end quote)
How predictable…the “Chicano” boot-licking faux-politicians defending the indefensible with their selective historical perspective. Maybe they should give their ancestral lands back to the indigenous peoples or maybe the dinosaurs…what a joke…typical cheap academic posturing…no surprises here.