About Me

There wasn’t a particular factor that determined my political views. I feel that it’s still an ongoing process. My family and the church played a very important role in politically socializing me, especially in learning how to conduct my social behavior day to day. My grandmother would often say to me “Treat others, as you would like to be treated”. This taught me that if I treated people with respect that I would also receive it. She and my mother both worked full-time outside the home to support us. Politics were rarely discussed in our family, but I do believe in the electoral process. I'm not a party-oriented person. My goal is to support candidates with the courage to change things without pandering to special interest groups. I generally avoid getting involved in political discussions because they usually turn into nasty debates. Hopefully that will change during the course of this class. As these are challenging times, many of my friends are turned off by politics. I remind them that voting is a priviledge in this country. And if they're unhappy about something, they have the freedom to do something about it.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Georgia Passes Tough Illegal Immigration Bill, Now Headed to Governor

       The Georgia State House and Senate have passed Arizona-style immigration legislation, House Bill 87. The aim of the Bill is to permit law enforcement officers to question individuals about their immigration status during criminal investigations. It also includes punitive measures against people that transport undocumented immigrants during the commission of a crime, and imposes significant prison sentences to individuals who use fake documents to obtain employment. Half of the states in the union are now in the process of drafting, or seeking to pass legislation similar to Arizona’s law against illegal immigration. I think the state of Georgia can expect to experience the same challenges Arizona experienced after enacting its legislation. However Georgia’s governor, Nathan Deal seems to disagree.(click here to read article) “Deal said he did not think the Georgia measure would lead to boycotts or harm businesses. He says he hopes it will "send a message to members of Congress that it's time for them to get serious about the issue." I’m sure protestors of the law would support and encourage a boycott. It’s my understanding that the bills that have passed require immigrants to carry proof of status, require law enforcement officers to question anyone they believe is in the country illegally, and target employers who hire or transport undocumented immigrants.
       These new laws have raised many questions. Are they constitutional? Will the laws target certain communities? Also, how will it affect those traveling to, or through these states? Any traveler stopped by the police for any reason, in Arizona, could be questioned about their citizenship, and/or immigration status. Travelers to Arizona can be required to prove their status, even if they are U.S. citizens. New York City used to be called the great melting pot. People from other countries moved to America for a better life, and blended into a single American identity. That idea is no longer a popular one. Today, many new immigrant groups want to maintain at least part of their old identities, and allow their American born children to wear clothes that are native to their countries. Will the new laws cause the police to use racial profiling based on appearance? After reviewing the new law in Arizona and Georgia, and listening to the statements from the law’s supporters and critics, if you don't "look American", I’d recommend you carry proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status to avoid trouble.

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