Arizona "Papers, Please" Law May Hit Tech Workers

dcblogs writes "H-1B workers and foreign students may think twice about attending school or working in Arizona as a result of the state's new immigration law. If a police officer has a 'reasonable suspicion' about the immigration status of someone, the officer may ask to see proof of legal status. Federal immigration law requires all non-US citizens, including H-1B workers, to carry documentation, but 'no state until Arizona has made it a crime to not have that paperwork on your person,' said immigration lawyer Sarah Hawk. It means that an H-1B holder risks detention every time they make a 7-11 run if they don't have their papers, or if their paperwork is out of date because US immigration authorities are behind in processing (which condition does not make them illegal). The potential tech backlash over the law may have begun yesterday with a call by San Francisco City Atty. Dennis Herrera 'to adopt and implement a sweeping boycott of the State of Arizona and Arizona-based businesses.'"

Comments

Re:What about the presumption of innocence?

[peterofoz]

Getting arrested or detained does not make you guilty. You'll still have your day in court or clear things up at the station.Think of it like a beefed up curfew law for minors.

No one cares

[Anonymous Coward]

I live in San Francisco, and trust me, no one listens to the city council.....

Re:What about the presumption of innocence?

[Foobar of Borg]

Next person who types "NO CARRIER" as a punchline will be mercilessly bludgeoned.

Ha! You wouldn't dare bludgeon someone who us)*(&@EKJn^ [NO CARRIER]

Re:What about the presumption of innocence?

[Alioth]

Given Arizona used to be part of Mexico (as did most of the southwestern US, right up to Oregon and Colorado) - and the United States took this from Mexico by force - be glad that the Mexicans are just taking back what's theirs by peaceful means. So hardly an "invasion".

(yes, I am trolling).

Re:What about the presumption of innocence?

[Anonymous Coward]

I agree. We also need to fix the plaque at the statue of liberty to say simply "GTFO" instead of the drivel about welcoming tired, poor and huddled masses of people.

Re:What about the presumption of innocence?

[Patrik_AKA_RedX]

What does an illegal immigrant look like?

Easy, just keep an eye out for the following signs:

• No feathers on head
• No bow and arrows
• No horse
• Doesn't live in a tent
• Doesn't speak any of the native languages

Re:What about the presumption of innocence?

[Shakrai]

the nutty "president must have birth certificate" (Hmm, yes I'm SURE AZ has the authority to make federal election laws)

AZ has the authority to determine who can be listed on it's ballot. You'll note that third party Presidential candidates aren't always able to gain ballot access in all 50 states.

Why would you object to a state wanting to make sure that someone can legally hold the office they are standing for? Would you get upset if they passed a law saying you have to 35 to run for President? 30 to run for US Senator? 25 to run for the House?

Re:What about the presumption of innocence?

[Abraxas26]

You forgot the one of the most important identifying features of illegal immigrants. Shoes!

Brian Bilbray (R-CA) claims we can spot an illegal alien by looking at their shoes. I call on every red-blooded American to start scanning for suspicious footwear.

Re:What about the presumption of innocence?

[Blue Lozenge]

Now imagine having to drive like that all the time.

My god. The roads would be safe.