Whoa, back the truck on up a minute...

[agriking]

I was just listening to a report on the radio regarding Arizona’s new anti-immigration laws. A resident of California proposed that instead of these new laws the Federal government put more troops on the border to keep out drug smugglers and not punish all illegal immigrants….not punish all illegal immigrants? So now its ok to break some laws but

Comments

[tko_ak]

Most of the people I've spoken to who aren't bothered by illegal immigration into one of three categories (sometimes overlapping

[agriking]

Yes, but thats where my confusion comes into play with this issue. You can look at it any way you want; it doesn't change the fact that these people are ILLEGAL immigrants. Until the law is changed Arizona is perfectly within their rights.

[tko_ak]

I don't disagree, but is it the best use of police resources, prison space, or tax dollars for a state that has significant budget issues? Not that Arizona doesn't have the "right" to do it, but it seems more mean spirited than practical.

Besides, there are plenty of things that are illegal that are unenforced (or at least not policed in certain areas). Pot, for instance, or prostitution within certain parts of a city. Or sodomy. Besides, I have a hard time imagining you getting worked up over insider trading. My point is, illegal isn't always a moral black and white. And, of course, if you fundamentally disagree with the law to begin with, its active enforcement is abhorrent.

Don't get me wrong - I think laws on illegal immigration should be enforced. But I also think it should be easier to get here, legally. Still, the Arizona law goes too far.

[bdouville]

Just a thought: if one is in favour of free trade across the border, then shouldn't one also support free movement across borders too?

[agriking]

I don't see what one issue has to do with the other.