As a child, causing trouble resulted in a “time-out.” Punishment, then, soon transformed into being “grounded.” However, as soon as one turns eighteen they are no longer disciplined solely by their parents, as the government is more likely to step in and decide the necessary punishment.
There are times when the punishment is questionable and unfair, but as the old saying goes, “You do the time, you pay the crime.” Let’s face it: Before someone does something that can land them in the hot seat, there is doubt in their mind, butterflies in their stomach and fear in their heart that something may go wrong. Indeed, they are acknowledging the fact that they are doing something illegal. Fittingly, the end result should be acceptable.
Restrictions and penalties are found on many illicit acts, yet there is one act that is ultimately clear from such — illegal immigration into the United States.
Among the many items that need to be reformed in this country, immigration is high on the list. So, it is a relief to see that one state, Arizona, finally decided to tackle the issue.
The Senate Bill 1070, which is supported by 70 percent of Arizonians, is in effect so that law enforcement can, indeed, enforce the law.
The state of Arizona is not going to turn into Nazi Germany. Police officers will not start banging on doors demanding that people show proof that they are legal nor are there going to be nightly sweeps or checkpoints concerning the citizenship of a person.
The law is not a matter of racial profiling either, but a matter of using common sense to keep legal U.S. residents safe. The majority of illegal immigrants in Arizona are Hispanic, so why would it be racial profiling if they are the majority? Anything else would be like looking for something that doesn’t exist.
Also, police are not allowed to pull anyone over based on their background. Officers can only do so if they commit a crime. The law allows them to act on reasonable belief that someone is illegally in the U.S. This reasonable belief is provided to them by any illegal immigrant who disobeys the law while in the U.S.
Although our nation was founded on immigration and is unique because of its diversity, many illegal immigrants today, are abusing the system. This is 2010. Things are incredibly different than they were back then.
As mentioned last week in Wednesday’s Our View “Ariz. immigration law legalizes racial profiling,” “no one is saying we should close our borders but, we shouldn’t open them up either.”
The process of which people attain visas to work and live in the U.S. does need to be more controlled and structured. People who want to come here for the right reasons need to be able to do so.
Illegal immigration is a serious issue that has strong supporters and strong opposers. In order to solve this issue the government needs to think logically and keep emotional ties out of the process. Otherwise, we will not get anywhere.
Maybe what the world needs now is not love or peace but law abiding citizens, citizens who are concerned with obeying laws that are set for a reason. Then, the love and peace can follow.
Kirsti Correa is a freshmen journalism major and an assitant opinions editor for the Daily 49er.
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