Much to my disbelief, Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona signed SB 1070, the extreme anti-immigration bill that passed the Arizona state legislature.
The new law, which will not go into effect for more than 90 days, requires police agencies across Arizona to investigate the immigration status of every person they come across whom they have "reasonable suspicion" to believe is in the country unlawfully. To avoid arrest, citizens and immigrants will effectively have to carry their "papers" at all times. The law also makes it a state crime for immigrants to willfully fail to register with the Department of Homeland Security and carry registration documents. It further curtails the free speech rights of day laborers and encourages unchecked information sharing between government agencies.
If you read my blog post on this bill last week, you would probably anticipate that I'm angry and sad that this misguided and legally unsound bill was signed. I'm slightly relieved by the statements I've heard against the bill from President Obama, and the even stronger statements from people like Mayor Bloomberg of New York. (As an aside to anyone fearing life in Arizona under this law, Mayor Bloomberg has opened New York's arms wide to receive anyone wishing to live in a welcoming city.)
This bill has conjured up feelings I had working for the ACLU under the Bush Administration, when expansions of power and lack of transparency made me genuinely fear for some of my cherished liberties. If the Bush Administration taught me anything, it's that taking action is sometimes the only solace an organizer has.
So I urge you to join me on Saturday as the ACLU of MAINE marches for immigration reform that values civil liberties. Let's not sacrifice the civil liberties of anyone living in our country, and construct a bill that honors the Constitution and treats everyone in this country with the dignity and respect a human deserves.
Meet us Saturday, May 1st at 2:30pm in Portland either at Kennedy Park or Union Station Plaza as we march to Congress Square Park, where community leaders will voice their support for immigration reform. Join ACLU of MAINE staff and members at 1:30pm at the ACLU of MAINE offices to make signs together promoting our constitutional values. There will be snacks, and hopefully solace in our solidarity.