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Tennessee Considering Copy-Cat of Arizona’s Anti-immigration Law
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Activism; Posted on: 2010-05-18 20:33:54 [ Printer friendly / Instant flyer ]
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Tennesseans: Contact your representatives to make this happen. -- Ed.
On May 20, 2010, the Tennessee senate will once again review
SB0194/HB0270, which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote
in Tennessee. Voter registration forms have always required registrants
to profess United States Citizenship to complete the registration. The
current registration forms require the applicant to check “Yes” when
asked if he is a U.S. Citizen and includes the stern warning that false
information is punishable by 2 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The
new law requires proof that the applicant is a U.S. Citizen in the form
of a driver license, non-driving photo ID, birth certificate, United
States passport, or Bureau of Indian Affairs card number, or other valid
proof of citizenship. Currently, Tennessee relies on the honor system
and requires no proof.
This bill is just the first targeting immigration reform in Tennessee,
and more are planned to be introduced in January. As many as 10 other
states are considering legislation similar to Arizona’s SB 1070.
Arizona immigration legislation
The Arizona immigration legislation has sparked unnecessary controversy,
and according to the most recent Gallup poll, 51 percent of Americans support the
Arizona legislation. Illegal immigration is already illegal; the Arizona
law does not make it illegal. The Arizona legislation changes nothing
previously defined by federal law, but makes it easier to enforce the
provisions of the federal government that federal officials seem
unwilling to implement.
Legal immigration is still legal, and legal immigrants still have the
full protection of the Constitution. Illegal and legal immigration are
vastly different. One requires sneaking into the country without the
consent or knowledge of the government. The other requires background
checks, a statement of purpose, and a pledge to abide by the laws of the
United States. Legal immigration allows time for assimilation, which is essential to the
sustainability of the United States.
Mexican immigration law
In Mexico, illegal immigration is a felony punishable by more than one
year in prison, and citizens have the right to report suspected illegal
immigrants. To be accepted legally as an immigrant to Mexico, an
immigrant must have no criminal records, have something positive to
contribute to society, not be any burden to society, and must be able to
prove economic stability. The United States may have something to learn
from Mexico.
Source
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News Source: Examiner
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