Lee Earle, left, and Ronald Ludders of Phoenix support Arizona's new immigration law.
Lee Earle, a self-identified “Tea Party facilitator” in Arizona, ground zero of the immigration debate, wants you to know that he supports immigration. He considers it the lifeblood of American society and the backbone of our economy – if it’s done legally.
“We want immigration. We need immigration! All we want is for people to sign the guestbook at the door,” said Earle, a Phoenix resident. “Being an illegal immigrant in Arizona is like trespassing. If you’re in my house and you’re not invited, then I have every right to send you out.”
Earle says he supports Arizona’s controversial new law targeting illegal immigration because it lets local law enforcement do what the federal government should be doing to stop people from entering the country unlawfully.
“When people come here without permission, when they come here illegally, they automatically become victims of the coyotes who bring them over and the employers who take advantage of their cheap labor,” Earle said. “Let them come legally so they can take advantage of all the wonderful services and opportunities this great nation has to offer and they can contribute in a meaningful way.”
Earle, a loquacious retiree who gesticulates frequently as he fires off in a stream-of-consciousness manner, shared his thoughts Tuesday night before a legislative district meeting at the Jumbo Buffet in a strip mall in southwest Phoenix.
Dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and jeans, his long gray hair pulled back, Earle said he blames health care, education and incarceration for illegal immigrants for contributing to the state’s $2 billion budget deficit.
“It’s a monetary thing for the state, because I’m a taxpayer but also a human concerned because they can’t take advantage of our legal system because they’re afraid of being deported,” he said.
Earle’s friend and fellow Tea Partier Ronald Ludders dismissed with a wave of the hand the suggestion that the bill encourages racial profiling.
“Illegal is not a race," said Ludders, who, like Earle, is a Republican precinct committeeman for his legislative district. “Law enforcement will be looking for people who they have reasonable suspicion to believe are breaking the law. They cannot stop them based on the color of their skin.”
Both men say this is not about hating Hispanics: Ludders has a home in Mexico, and Earle lives in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood.
“This is about fixing a problem that has been plaguing our communities for a long time. If the federal government isn’t going to do anything, I’m proud of Arizona for stepping up to the plate,” Earle said.
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I can't wait to see the legal Hispanics, the one's that will be on the receiving end of the harassment this ridiculous law will impose, finally stand up and vote. As a block. To vote out every single legislator that voted for this abomination.
Someone posted a statement that 70% of the people were in favor of this law. I would venture a guess that it was 70% of white people that were in favor of this law. I cannot imagine that a citizen of color, especially those with brown skin, would be in favor of this law. But there is always the exception that proves the rule. RE: Michael Steele.
There are facts that make this such a hotly debated topic. This country is a melting pot. It was based on that very premise. But there are some that just do not like people that are not like themselves. There are jobs that white people just don't want. Whether it is because of the back breaking work or the low pay. It doesn't matter. They just won't do those jobs.
Then there are the employers. If anyone is to blame in this whole sorry mess, it is the employer that hires an undocumented worker. They pay them little, and pocket the rest as profit. It is not the worker that drives down the wages, it is the employer that hires the illegal and pays them under the table and then keeps the extra as profit. So rather than fine employers that hire undocumented workers, imprison them. Sell their business assets as illegally obtained materials and put them in prison. If you only fine them, they just pay the fine and do it all over again. Let them rot in a jail cell. Low on taxes revenues? Make site visits to large job locations. When an undocumented worker is found, take them into custody along with the supervisor, manager and owner of the company. The illegal is deported, the others are jailed, their business closed and assets sold. Proceeds go to the general fund that supports this department. And it shouldn't matter how big the company is. If the Arizona Diamondbacks hire an illegal janitor, towel boy or groundskeeper, game over. Maybe Ken Kendrick will enjoy a little stay in an Arizona prison. When Camelback Resort hires an illegal maid, cook or other employee, I hope Bill Marriott likes his accommodations in prison. And his resort should bring a pretty penny to the general fund.
Oh wait, we can't pick on the rich white folk. Sheesh...
Iam not going to say "I wish I were born white, blue eyed" I am proud of my ethnicity and thank my Creator for what I am. This law is so wrong. It divides because of the words in it "solely???" If the governor were honest, she'd known she was not saying the truth when she explained the rationale.
Shame on us, who agreed to divide people living under the skies of this land.
i totally understand both sides of the issue, there are people who have commented on why they support this law if it goes into effect, and i see their point, but then the comments start rambling about "mexican this and that" and that's where i see the problem in the law. If it's not about race then why even bring the word "Mexican" or "Hispanic" in to the topic.
@ Juaritos: Thats a very good point. And that is the problem I have with this law. I'm not arguing that being in the US illegally isn't against the law, rather as an American I don't want to be stopped and asked for my paperwork merely because I'm Hispanic. If you're going to implement a law like this, then stop EVERYONE and ask them for proof of US citizenship not just the Hispanics.
I live in Chicago and no doubt there are a huge number of Polish folks who are here illegally, can you imagine if this law passed here in the state of Illinois? How many "white" folks would be up in arms about this?
We do have to address the immigration issue true but not at the cost of innocent Americans who are Hispanic and therefore could be stopped by Law Enforcement asking for paperwork.
THEY HAVE NO RIGHTS? I'm sorry but that is bull! The Europeans came over here and assasinated all Native Americans! So if someone is illigal in this ground and has no rights it would be the white people who are trying to make "BROWN" illegal! do some research and then comment!
This is for Bruce number 6 in the count down. Inreference to "INALIENABLE RIGHTS" in the Bill of Rights. If your going to quote something then know what the hell your talking about, that is from the Declaration of Independence you dumbass not the constitution.
Will this new law make being an illegal alien illegal?
Get out now.
Way to go Arizona! These people are breaking our laws and taking unfair advantage of our goverment and the benefits we (via our taxes) provide our citizens. Arizona, you have my complete support. Wish Florida would pass and enforce similar legislation. I'm not against immigration, but I do not support those who thumb their noses at our generosity and graciousness.
Rick Hendricks
Ormond Beach, FL
“Illegal is not a race," It is a crime! In any Country you go to you are required to apply for
residence status so you can work and take part in the benefits of that Country. Ohterwise
you will be there illegally and in doing so will not be paying taxes while at the same time
taking advantage of other programs that Legal Residents have to pay for themselves.
Solution, require alll illegal immigrants that are currently in our Country to apply for Resident Status, require that thay pay taxes, require that any employer cannot hire
illegals, and require that all social programs be available only to those who are only legal
residents in our Country itself.In addition, a work permit should be introduced for all
legal residents of our Country, of which would not only prove residence status when applying for jobs, but would also prevent employers from hiring illegals themselves. As far as those who would want to continue to enter our Country illegally, they should be arrested and deported back to the Country in which they came from. All individuals should be required to apply for residence status to our Country in a legal way, otherwise it shows complete disrespect for our Country, for those who sacrificed there lives in defending our Country so those of us who are still alive and live with Freedom today, and lastly, and as said before beinf illegal in any Country including our Country is a crime, it has nothing to do with race! DJM
Abqnative #177: Yes, your're right! And what we also need is REAL *FACTUAL* STATISTICAL NUMBERS about Hispanics and Non-Hispanic illegals alike. They're sure to have them based on arrests they've made. ** Or have they only been arresting Hispanics? ** Umm, If so, this is a Big Red Flag, folks!
There's got to be an actual count in Arizona otherwise that law only targets Hispanics as many now believe. Even if there are greater numbers coming from S. America (Mexico is part of North America) does that automatically mean that we forget about all the other Non-Hispanic illegals? Be realistic. We can't target just one group no matter what the numbers show. We go after ALL of the illegals of other nationalities or we go after No One as you say! Otherwise, be prepared for lawsuit after lawsuit after lawsuit and less and less and less money stays in Arizona. But sure looks like some may prefer it that way huh!
People don't want Arizona to turn into Nazi Germany where police routinely asked people for papers and if they didn't have them, off to jail (or worse) they went. This is America where the INS is in charge of immigration matters. That's the FEDERALS, not the locals that need to take care of domestic problems in their own neighborhoods.
Even young students are protesting the law. They're college folks and getting a first hand look at things in Arizona, so for sure they're not dumb on this matter. They KNOW what is happening. So many against this bill can't be all wrong. Even Big Stars are out AGAINST this new law once they get to understand the unfairness of it!
Did you know that a local Police Officer in Tucson, Arizona, just filed suit against the law (as has a Mayor)! But a POLICE OFFICER! That is one who truly understands what this is all about. If it's bad for him, it's got to be bad for the rest of the people he is sworn to protect.
People do not want to even THINK of the possibility of Hispanics being profiled, especially as a special selected group, so they are out to file suit to STOP this egregious law dead in its tracks now. Who can blame them.
THE VAST MAJORITY OF AMEREICANS DO NOT WANT FREE PASSES FOR ILLEGALS IN THE UNITED STATES. PLUS, IF YOU WANT TO BECOME A US CITIZEN, YOU FOLLOW THE FLIPPIN' RULES! AMEN!
REID, POLISI, OBAMA, AND OTHER DEMS ARE PUTZES. THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON TOP OF THIS IMMIGRATION ISSUE FROM DAY 1. THE VAST MAJORITY OF ILLEGALS BRING NOTHING OF MERIT TO THE UNITED STATES.
THUS, LONG LIVE THE NEW ARIZONA IMMGRATION LAW!
ILLEGALS COME TO THE UNTIED STATES, BECAUSE MEXICO IS CESS POOL! THERE AIN'T SQUAT IN MEXICO WORTH DAM. HOWEVER, THAT DOES NOT MEAN ILLEGALS CAN ENTER THE UNITED STATES AND TRASH WHERE I LIVE. GET OUT! THE VAST MAJORITY OF ILLEGALS BRING NOTHING OF VALUE TO THE UNITED STATES! THEY ARE LOW-LIFE SCUM....GANG MEMBERS, DRUGGIES, MURDERERS, THRIEVES, ETC.,ETC., EVERY THING IS BAD!
ILLEGALS HAVE NO RIGHTS. THEY ARE CRIMINALS LIVING IN MY COUNTRY, GETTING FREE, REPEAT, FREE MONEY, FREE, REPEAT, FREE MEDICAL. FREE,. REEPEAT, FREE EDUCATION AND THEY BRING NOTHING BUT GANGS, DRUGS, ROBBERIES, MURDER, RAPES, RIPOFFS, ETC. ETC.
THEY ARE LIKE RABID DOGS AND NEED TO BE DESTROYED.
IF YOUR AN AMERICAN IN MEXICO, GO TRY AND GET HEALTH CARE FOR FREE,
AND FREE EDUCATION. YET YHE ILLEGALS COME TO THE UNITED STATES, FOR THEIR FREE HANDOUTS FROM UNCLE SAM.
IN CLOSING, A MEXICAN LADY TODAY ON CNN SAID THE NEW ARIZONA IMMGRATIION LAW WAS FAIR! HA!.
IF YOU WANT TO BECOME A UNITED STATES CITIZEN, DO IT LEGALLY!
UNTIL THEN GET THE HELL OUT OF THE UNITED STATES!
NO FREE PASSES FOR ILLEGALS REID, POLISI, OBAMA, AND OTHER DEM PUTZES. BOOT 'EM STRAIGHT AWAY, AND PASS LEGISTALTION STATING SUCH, NOT WAITING FOR REP INPUT. HELL, YOU SHOVED HEALTH CARE DOWN EVERYONE'S THROAT, DO THE SAME WITH A TOUGH, BOOT 'EM HIGH, IMMIGRATION POLICY.
It sure appears like ARIZONA is fastly headed for a Long BOYCOTT over their new anti-immigration law. The way to save businesses and jobs in Arizona is to RESCIND this bad law now! If you want to learn more about this important matter, here it is!
http://blog.altoarizona.com/blog/boycott-arizona-a-strategy-discussion.html
@ALPHAMALE...
Wow – I can't imagine how you managed to learn how to work a keyboard, let alone turn on the computer. Maybe you're using some kind of voice recognition software. Even then, the fact that you somehow learned how to speak amazes me.
You ignorant piece of trash.
Amen! YourIgnoranceSaddensMe!! Amen!!
It is quite amazing how some people can come forth and spew their hate on these boards. They are merely showing their ignorance and intolerance for others. But bet they would think Much Different if they were in the minority class of individuals affected by this horrible Arizona bill, now wouldn't they! And they used all caps too, which is a No-no!
If a law enforcement officer or a person in some sort of power is trying to enforce laws in Mexico, their lives at threatened and their families and friends and recently families have been executed by the cartels. It has happened time and time again. People are afraid, rightly so. I would not be surprised if over this side of the border the law officers, politicians have been threatened. There are officers in favor of this and if I had a family member as part of the police force, I would be scared for them and myself and children. We need immigration reform for those who is trying legally to become an American citizen (1173) spending huge amount of dollars is wrong. But, this does not make it right that People can sneak over here, this is illegal by our laws. And AZ is a border state, of course we are talking about Mexicans! If the border was Canada, we would be talking about Canadians! Another thing that scares me more is how many of some of these people who is crossing over illegally are terrorists! I am not talking about Mexicans being terrorists but others who would like to blow you and your children up. That is really the true story of this debate.