I sat sanctimoniously sucking my teeth in disgust at Arizona, and damned if I’m not living among the same brand of muck.
The legislators of the Grate (sic or sick, take your pick) State of Georgia in their obstinate wisdom have passed a law that mimics the details of Arizona’s dangerous and mean-spirited immigration law.
On Friday, our brand new Republican Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 87 into law. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, like the law Arizona enacted last year, Georgia’s bill would empower police to question certain suspects about their immigration status. It would also penalize people who transport or harbor illegal immigrants in Georgia.
Much of Georgia’s bill would start taking effect July 1.
Proponents say the state needs to take immediate action because the federal government is not adequately enforcing the nation’s immigration laws. Critics say the measure is unconstitutional and will damage the state’s economy by scaring away migrant workers and conventioneers. Opponents, meanwhile, are vowing to challenge the measure in court, banking on its meeting the same fate in a federal courtroom as did the now “unconstitutional” Arizona legislation.
In the meantime, crops of peanuts, Vidalia onions and other South Georgia produce could die on the vine for lack of adequate hands to replace the migrant workers who usually pick them. That will help destroy the state’s already fragile economy. Good move, GOP. Weren’t you the same guys who were preaching about the importance of small businesses to the health of the nation’s economy? Talk out of both sides of your mouths much?
The legislators of the Grate (sic or sick, take your pick) State of Georgia in their obstinate wisdom have passed a law that mimics the details of Arizona’s dangerous and mean-spirited immigration law.
On Friday, our brand new Republican Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 87 into law. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, like the law Arizona enacted last year, Georgia’s bill would empower police to question certain suspects about their immigration status. It would also penalize people who transport or harbor illegal immigrants in Georgia.
Much of Georgia’s bill would start taking effect July 1.
Proponents say the state needs to take immediate action because the federal government is not adequately enforcing the nation’s immigration laws. Critics say the measure is unconstitutional and will damage the state’s economy by scaring away migrant workers and conventioneers. Opponents, meanwhile, are vowing to challenge the measure in court, banking on its meeting the same fate in a federal courtroom as did the now “unconstitutional” Arizona legislation.
In the meantime, crops of peanuts, Vidalia onions and other South Georgia produce could die on the vine for lack of adequate hands to replace the migrant workers who usually pick them. That will help destroy the state’s already fragile economy. Good move, GOP. Weren’t you the same guys who were preaching about the importance of small businesses to the health of the nation’s economy? Talk out of both sides of your mouths much?
No comments:
Post a Comment
If you choose to comment as Anonymous but you want me to know who you are, just sign your comment in a way I will recognize. Thanks!
WARNING: This site cannot receive comments from iPads, unfortunately. I am trying to find a solution.