Arizona’s Democratic governor intends to reject an illegal immigration bill, which grants civil immunity

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) to Strike Down Bill Criminalizing Illegal Immigration ‌in Arizona

Gov.⁤ Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) has made it clear that she will not back down in ‍her fight against a bill ⁣approved by ⁢Republican lawmakers that seeks to criminalize illegal immigration in Arizona. The Arizona Border Invasion Act, proposed by Republican state⁢ Sen. Janae Shamp, recently passed in the Senate with 16 votes. This bill aims to make it a crime for individuals to enter Arizona’s border illegally, while⁣ also providing civil immunity to government officials enforcing the law.

Sen. Shamp expressed her belief⁢ that the bill would refocus attention on the states, stating, “Well, I think what it’s‌ gonna do⁢ is put the focus back where it needs to be with the states.”

Despite the bill‍ passing along party lines, Gov. ⁣Hobbs, known for vetoing Republican-proposed legislation, ⁣has ⁢announced her intention to reject this‌ bill as well. A⁣ spokesperson for⁢ the governor emphasized her⁣ commitment to border ⁣security and fighting the fentanyl‌ epidemic, stating, “SB1231 is unconstitutional, ⁤will not secure the border, and‍ will drive away businesses and jobs from ​Arizona. ‌She will not sign it.”

Opponents of the⁤ bill,⁣ including other Democratic⁢ lawmakers, argue that it bears‍ too much resemblance to SB 1070, a bill passed in 2010 that allowed law enforcement to arrest individuals based ‍on ‌”reasonable suspicion” of being in the state unlawfully. Democratic state Sen. Anna Hernandez‍ expressed her belief⁢ that criminalization is not the solution, stating, “I think⁢ that this bill is just a direct‍ criminalization answer. And what we have seen, and we have data that shows‍ that criminalizing any⁤ area of policy does not yield the results that I think that we’re looking for here.”

If vetoed, this bill would join the 143 Republican-proposed legislations ​that Gov. Hobbs has already vetoed in 2023, according to the Arizona Capitol Times.

Sen. Shamp expressed‍ her hope that the governor would approve the legislation, ​granting law enforcement the ability to uphold the law. She stated, “Right now, law enforcement can’t do their jobs to protect our citizens from the overwhelming‌ cases of human smuggling, child sex trafficking, rapes, murders, deadly fentanyl, high-speed chases, and other heinous‍ acts⁢ carried out by the large numbers of criminals allowed to freely enter our country through the Arizona-Mexico border.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

How do immigration advocacy groups, such as the ACLU, view the bill and its potential impact on fear and discrimination?

Ssed her belief that this bill is necessary to ‌protect the safety and security ‍of Arizona⁣ residents, stating that ⁢illegal ⁤immigration puts a burden⁢ on law enforcement and resources. However, Gov. Hobbs strongly disagrees with ⁤this sentiment, arguing that criminalizing illegal immigration would only exacerbate the immigration crisis and divert resources away from more ‍pressing issues.

In a press conference held last week, Gov. Hobbs criticized the bill, calling it “mean-spirited” and “inhumane.” She emphasized the importance of addressing immigration issues through comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level, rather than implementing punitive measures​ at the ⁢state level.

Gov. Hobbs also expressed concerns that this bill would disproportionately affect⁢ minority communities and lead to‍ racial profiling. She argued that it ‌is the federal government’s responsibility ⁤to enforce immigration laws, not the state’s, and that Arizona should focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents, regardless of their immigration status.

Several immigration advocacy groups⁢ have voiced their​ support for Gov. Hobbs’ ​stance. The ACLU of ⁤Arizona issued a statement commending her for standing up against the bill, stating that criminalizing illegal ​immigration would only perpetuate fear and discrimination. They emphasized the importance of upholding the rights and​ dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

Legal experts have also raised concerns about the constitutionality of the ​bill. They argue that immigration is a federal ⁢matter and that states do not have the authority to create their own ​immigration policies or criminalize illegal immigration. They predict that if the ⁣bill is signed into law, it will​ face legal challenges and could ultimately be ⁣deemed unconstitutional.

As the bill now awaits consideration in the House, Gov. Hobbs has vowed to use her veto power if it reaches her desk. She remains committed to protecting the rights and well-being of‌ all Arizona residents, including undocumented immigrants, and will continue to ⁤advocate for a comprehensive and compassionate approach to immigration policy.

The debate over‌ immigration policy in Arizona ⁤is far from over, and Gov. Hobbs’ steadfast opposition to the criminalization ⁤of illegal immigration has ignited a passionate discourse on the issue. As the state grapples with the⁤ complexities of immigration, it is‍ essential to remember the values of fairness, compassion, and ⁢respect for the rights of all​ individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases