It is shocking and highly disturbing that a federal judge has aided the illegal invasion of Arizona by hundreds of thousands – perhaps half a million – people who have no right to be in the United States.
A nation that does not protect its borders from illegal invasion invites very serious troubles.
It is primarily the duty of the federal government of the United States to protect our borders. But when U.S. officials obviously are not doing an effective job meeting that responsibility, states should not be prevented from defending against illegal invasion.
Arizona, which has among the highest numbers of illegal invaders of any state, enacted a law to deal with its problems. But now U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton in Phoenix has seriously hindered the efforts of Arizona’s legislators and governor to protect their state and its people from a massive wave of illegal entrants.
Many illegals have engaged in serious drug, smuggling and other crimes. So Arizona sought to reduce its problems by requiring immigrants to carry legal papers if they have them, thus identifying those who have entered by violating the law. Arizona also made it illegal for undocumented individuals to solicit employment in public places, which large numbers had been doing.
But Judge Bolton has ordered Arizona law enforcement authorities not to check suspected violators.
Judge Bolton said, “Requiring Arizona law enforcement officials and agencies to determine the immigration status of every person who is arrested burdens lawfully-present aliens because their liberty will be restricted while their status is checked.”
But doesn’t “not checking” hundreds of thousands of illegals challenge the rights of legal Americans? Showing papers should be little bother for those who are here legally, but would be effective in discouraging illegal invasion.
There may be sympathy for foreigners who want to come to the United States seeking better opportunities. But there is no U.S. obligation to provide opportunities for the rest of the world at the expense of endangering Americans with more crime and increased welfare and other costs.
There are laws for legal immigration, and there are laws against illegal invasion. The laws should be enforced. Judge Bolton’s ruling, however, seriously hinders American defense against the massive illegal invasion of the United States.