Scott Walker Column In Support of the Arizona Immigration Bill

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For years, our leaders in Washington - on both sides of the political aisle - have failed to take the necessary action to secure our borders or to properly deal with illegal immigrants once they have been identified.  Illegal immigration has a put a tremendous strain on state and local governments due to increased demand for social services, education, and law enforcement.  Today, these problems are exacerbated by government budgets that are already billions of dollars in the red.

But for states like Arizona, the consequences of illegal immigration reach far beyond budgetary matters.  Arizona citizens face a daily reminder that their federal government is failing them as they fall prey to crime, violence, and property damage.  In April, the governor of Arizona signed legislation to address these serious problems.
 
Reports about this legislation have at best been confusing and at worst outright wrong.

For example, the original bill was amended after concerns were raised that it would preempt the federal government’s responsibility to enforce immigration.  There were also fears that state enforcement of the legislation could lead to racial profiling and discrimination if police were given the authority to stop people based solely on a suspicion that they may be here illegally.

When I learned about the bill, I had similar concerns about constitutional issues and the potential for discrimination.  There are millions of law abiding immigrants in our country who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

The confusion about the Arizona law continues as news accounts offer differing opinions about how the law will work. Even the Associated Press in Wisconsin mischaracterized the law last week, saying,   “The law, which requires police to ask a person about his or her immigration status if there’s a “reasonable suspicion” that the person is in the country illegally has enraged Hispanics and others both in Wisconsin and across the country. Critics have said it could lead to racial profiling.”

I decided to go directly to the source.

Last weekend I spoke with the sponsor of the Arizona law, State Senator Russell Pearce, who explained that the amended bill provides adequate protections against racial profiling and discrimination. A police officer may only inquire about the immigration status of persons they have stopped, detained, or arrested for other reasons.  In addition, earlier decisions by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals satisfied my concern about any conflicts with the 10th Amendment.

If I were governor of Arizona, I too would sign the Arizona immigration bill.

As Governor of Wisconsin, I will sign legislation that strengthens our protection against illegal immigration and ensures that taxpayer funded benefits like Badger Care, in-state tuition, and drivers’ licenses are not available to those who are here illegally.

We are proud to be a nation of immigrants, but our leaders must do a better job securing our borders, enforcing the rule of law, and ensuring that those who come to our country for the promise of a better life do so legally and without jeopardizing the rights of American citizens.