Editorial: Thoughts on Federal Immigration Lawsuit by Conan Lee
The topic of immigration has received its share of attention in the media lately due to the law suit filed by the United States Justice Department against the state of Arizona. The claim came as a response to the controversial law passed by Arizona’s legislators this past spring. The law gave Arizona’s officers authority to question the immigration status of anyone while making routine stops. This law is the catalyst that was needed to completely extricate anyone who the controlling powers of the state may feel as unwanted.
Many of the illegal immigrates that the law will expel are only looking for a new life in what they believe to a greater country. A greater country we are. The US is where all of your dreams can come true, as long as you are in the five percent of the population that comprises of the upper class. Though for the rest of the population there is more of a struggle and grind to realize the American dream.
Those in Arizona believe that they must protect their families and their home from the criminals who cross the border. Their close mindedness only allows them to see the bad and never the good. That is why this law suit is more then the federal government trying to keep restraints to the states power, it is also a beacon of hope.
If the law were to remain unchecked, then the hope of a brighter future would be diminished to nothingness.
The state’s new law also contradicts the actions taken by the government to bring more illegal immigrate to light. With acts like the Dream Act – which allows illegal students to become citizen to continue into a higher education – being canceled out, no one would willingly apply for something that they believe could get them thrown from the country. The US was founded by immigrants in search of something better; we should at least be able to understand the longing for a better tomorrow.
Conan Lee is a recent high school graduate and is participating in the WI-LYVEF’s Summer Leadership Cohort.
