An immigration proposal on the Arizona ballot is generating concerns from various political perspectives. This situation is being covered as part of an election series titled “We, the Voters.”
In Arizona, voters will have the chance to decide on immigration policy, reported by NPR political reporter Ximena Bustillo. Volunteers and interns from Aliento, a Phoenix-based advocacy group, are actively making phone calls to gauge public opinion on the issue. Many of these volunteers, aged between 17 and 38, have experienced different phases of Arizona’s immigration laws.
One volunteer, Eric Garcia, recalled his activism against the 2010 law known as SB 1070, which allowed law enforcement to request documentation proof from individuals at any time. This law, labeled the “show-me-your-papers” law, was later declared unconstitutional. The new proposition on the ballot, for some like Garcia, is reminiscent of past challenges.
Reyna Montoya, the CEO of Aliento, believes that the new proposition does not align with Arizona’s values. Aliento is actively opposing Prop 314, which would permit local law enforcement to arrest, hold, process, and deport individuals suspected of illegally crossing the Arizona-Mexico border.
State Senator John Kavanagh, one of the authors of the measure, stated that Arizona aims to join Texas in assisting the federal government with immigration law enforcement. The measure, inspired by a similar Senate bill in Texas, allows local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law. Arizona has recently become the busiest area for border patrol encounters, putting pressure on local officials managing asylum seekers. Kavanagh mentioned that migrants, including those undocumented, need not worry unless there is probable cause for law enforcement to act.
Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, who is also the president of the Sheriff’s Association, expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the measure. He believes it stems from frustration with federal policies and does not adequately support local law enforcement with the necessary resources.
Republican Mayor of Yuma, Doug Nicholls, shared concerns regarding the measure being a mandate without sufficient resources for enforcement. He noted that local officers lack training in determining citizenship, which could lead to challenges.
Critics of the measure argue that it lacks clarity on the geographical limits and definition of probable cause for enforcement. Monica Villalobos, president of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber, cautioned that the measure could negatively influence Arizona’s image and economic growth.
Aliento’s Montoya aims to mobilize 50,000 young Latino voters against the measure. By the evening’s end, the group had made 2,000 calls, hoping to inspire voter turnout against the proposition.
Ximena Bustillo, NPR News, reports from Phoenix.
