Policy Analysis Paper

Policy Analysis Paper

The state of Arizona has an enormous challenge to face, immigration. Arizona is a border state that has a number of illegal immigrants who reside in Arizona. This has become an issue for some residents of the state, which caused Arizona to enact a new policy. On April 23, 2010, Governor Jan Brewer signed an act, which would aid in the fight against illegal immigration. This paper will analyze the policy, the constitutional issues with the new policy, and how it will affect the people within the state of Arizona.

Policy

SB 1070 Arizona’s immigration law states a law enforcement officer, who performs a legal stop or arrest, is allowed to ask for immigration papers is he or she believes that the person is in the United States illegally. A person may not be released if he or she had an illegal immigration status. A person who does not have his or her immigration papers on himself will be considered to have created a criminal offense (Legal Information Institute, 2012). Arizona passed this policy in the hopes that it would deter illegal immigrants from entering into the country, and punish illegal immigrants who remain in Arizona.

Constitutional Issues

Some people believe that this policy affects an individual’s right and others agree with the new policy. Arguments occur stating “The Arizona immigration law, SB1070, invites racial profiling against people of color by law enforcement in violation of the equal protection guarantee” ("Put an End to Unfair Racial Profiling", 2012). It has affected the state greatly. Performers have cancelled their performances within the state to make a point. Arizona lost a great deal of money which hurt the state’s economy. An estimated 141 million dollars lost due to cancelation of events and conferences.

Effects on the Community

The economy will also suffer because there will be a lack of people to do the jobs that Americans feel they are too good to do. Such as landscaping in the hot desert sun, picking...