Thanks, Arizona

Wednesday, March 23rd, in Washington D.C., we were watching a broadcast of the game between Mexico and Iceland that was being played in Charlotte, North Carolina. At the end of the game it occurred to me to ask, “Hey, aren’t the people afraid to go to the game? The INS is waiting for people at the exit, no?” Everyone responded that this would be impossible (even in North Carolina, a state that is not famous for its racial tolerance). What justification would the police have to station themselves outside the stadium to ask for papers? “The majority of them are dark skinned and wear the Tri (Mexican) shirt. It would make quite a scene.”

One month after this meeting, the governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer, signed S.B. 1070 into law, which, in paragraph B of the second section instructs that when — by whatever legal means — an authority or agency of a state, county, city, town or any other political subdivision considers there to be reasonable suspicion that a person is an illegally present “alien” in the United States, this agency should make a reasonable attempt, when it’s practical, to determine the migratory status of said person.

The issue is drawing the attention of the public, even on the global level.

As all explosive issues, immigration reform is not a favorite issue of politicians in D.C., and therefore, the Arizona law was done on the other side. The scandal provoked in Arizona is taking place just months before elections and will be skirted around to adopt a clear position. However, because it’s a polarizing issue, it’s difficult to say that integral reform can become a reality this year.

For some proponents of immigration reform, it’s not the best time to bring up the discussion again, as the elections will prejudice negotiations. This is logical; however, it has an impact on both sides.

Another example is John McCain, who declared himself a supporter of comprehensive reform three years ago (together with the now deceased Senator Kennedy), and today he was one of the first to declare his support for the scandalous law. Senator McCain is the senator of Arizona, and this year will have to compete in the primary elections with the ultraconservative J.D. Hayworth, author of the book “Whatever it Takes,” which demonstrates well the motives of the 1070 law.

A reverse effect has occurred in Nevada, a state with a growing Hispanic electorate represented by Senator Harry Reid, who hurried to renounce the law, and much more. He announced the possibility of passing an immigration law in the senate this same year that deals with the process of legalization. Mr. Reid is one of the most powerful men in the United States, as he is the leader of the majority in the Senate and is very close to President Obama. However, Republicans in his state may be able to snatch his position in the upcoming elections.

The renewed enthusiasm of many candidates to make comprehensive immigration reform a priority should consolidate the Hispanic electorate, and even though it’s obvious that undocumented immigrants can’t vote, the majority have dozens of relatives who can. The stance in favor or against the Arizona law, and the issue of immigration in general, will be key for the reelection of said candidates in their states.

Even though it’s far from the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986, the expectation of a reform that looks at a means of legalization for undocumented residents will appease a good part of the Latina community and most importantly, would stop the xenophobic initiatives in the most conservative states.

More than the 11-S or the border violence, and even more than the resultant opposition to the issue, it was disdain that kept the discussion on immigration reform paralyzed in the last few years.

With the scandalous 1070 Law, Arizona recovered the issue, thus putting it at the top of the national agenda and obliging politicians to define themselves. And although it backfired, this is something to be grateful for.