Civil Rights Advocates Say Arizona Anti-Immigration Bill Mandates Racial Profiling

The Arizona House of Representatives has passed a bill that civil rights advocates say would infringe upon the rights of thousands of immigrants, both legal and undocumented. The bill would permit identity checks on residents if Arizona law enforcement officers have “reasonable suspicion” they are undocumented immigrants.

As in every other state, Arizona police now may only request that individuals prove they are legal residents if they are suspected of committing a crime. This would also be the first time that the lack of U.S. documentation would become a state crime.

Opponents say the bill would expose Arizonans to an avalanche of potential civil rights violations. “The bill constitutes a complete disregard for the rights of non-whites in Arizona. It effectively mandates racial profiling,” said Chris Newman, general counsel for the National Day Labor Organizing Network.

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), one of many groups seeking comprehensive immigration reform in Congress, has condemned the bill as an attempt to instill fear in minorities and drive a wedge of suspicion between White and non-White residents.  NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía said that the bill ” is an affront to civil rights and it will make all Latinos suspect in their own communities, regardless of their immigration status.  We’ve seen horrendous abuses through the 287(g) program and know what the reality of such measures is.”

Although the bill has not yet been signed into law, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has pushed for vigorous anti-immigration bills in the past.  NCLR has created an online petition to the governor to veto the legislation.  If the bill is passed, civil rights groups are likely to challenge it in court.