Rick Perry's View on Arizona SB1070, Border Security, and the Immigration Debate

Governor Rick Perry made the following statement recently regarding Arizona SB1070, the recent debate over immigration policy in Washington, and border security.

Texas has a rich history with Mexico, our largest trading partner, and we share more than 1,200 miles of border, more than any other state. As the debate on immigration reform intensifies, the focus must remain on border security and the federal government’s failure to adequately protect our borders. Securing our border is a federal responsibility, but it is a Texas problem, and it must be addressed before comprehensive immigration reform is discussed.
Recently, there has been much debate over immigration policy in Washington and what has been implemented in Arizona. I fully recognize and support a state’s right and obligation to protect its citizens, but I have concerns with portions of the law passed in Arizona and believe it would not be the right direction for Texas.
For example, some aspects of the law turn law enforcement officers into immigration officials by requiring them to determine immigration status during any lawful contact with a suspected alien, taking them away from their existing law enforcement duties, which are critical to keeping citizens safe. Our focus must continue to be on the criminal elements involved with conducting criminal acts against Texans and their property. I will continue to work with the legislative leadership to develop strategies that are appropriate for Texas.
Securing the border has to be a top priority, which is why I have a standing request with the federal government for 1,000 Title 32 National Guardsmen who can support civilian law enforcement efforts to enhance border security in Texas. I have also requested predator drones be based in and operate over the Texas-Mexico border to provide essential information about criminal activity to law enforcement on the ground.
Until the federal government brings the necessary resources to bear, we will continue to commit state funding and resources for additional border security efforts in order to protect our communities and legitimate cross border trade and travel, while enforcing the laws already on the books.

Comments

Thank you Gov. Perry,

Thank you on behalf of all hispanics.  We must concentrate on the border, and not the color of our skin.  I do feel we need some kind of reform, but giving police officers the right to ask for a green card is not the right way.  I am behind you 100 percent. 

Sincerely,
Pedro Flores
A fellow Texan.

I for one commend Arizona on their tough laws. Someone has to do something. Every state has a right to protect its citizens. Im tired of our borders being compromized, and tired of the laws on the books not being enforced. As far as Police Officers having the right to ask for green cards...they are just taking the job over that the feds failed to do. I am a 5th generation Texan and my GG Grandfather fought to make Texas a Republic. Alot of blood, sweat and tears were fought to protect Texas and now Texans need to step up and continue to hold sacred what our fore-fathers died for. Gov. Perry I ask that you Vote for tougher Immigration laws when the time presents itself, and save Texas from further infiltration from Illegals crossing the border. You owe it to the Legal Citizens of Texas to step up to the plate and protect what generations of Texans hold dear to our heart, OUR TEXAS!


Stephanie Gonzales

Governor Perry,

I find your response to the Texas immigration issue to be very weak.  When asking for 1,000 national guardsmen, you should have known that you would not receive any assistance.  To say that police officers would be taken away from other duties to determine one's status is way off base.  You should look at what it's costing the city, county and federal jails/prisons to house illegal immigrants as they continue to ignore our laws.  Shame on you Governor.  I pray that you will focus on the issue more and politics less.

Larry Smart

Seriously dude, since the feds don't do anything about the ILLEGAL immigration, then the states need to take care of themselves.  Okay, if you're breaking the law then YOU'RE BREAKING THE LAW. Doesn't federal law cover the entire US.  For flips sake, don't be a whoos now.  You should be standing right there with Jan Brewer.  You are spineless and just another "ALL TALK" politician.  Why would you not want your law enforcement officers question immigration status..idiot!!!!  Seriously, what a hypocrisy.

Very well said,maybe you should run against Rick Perry.

"the law turn law enforcement officers into immigration officials by requiring them to determine immigration status" - Rick Perry

Read the bill: http://www.azleg.gov/alispdfs/council/SB1070-HB2162.PDF

"A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE MADE, WHEN PRACTICABLE, TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS"

How does this language imply that officers would be taken away from their existing law enforcement duties?  An officer can simply say, "checking status wasn't practicable yesterday because I had to go chase some bank robbers."

In fact there are many 1070 "outs" for officers NOT to enforce immigration law.  All the claims that this is the toughest law in the country is laughable considering how milquetoast the actual language is.  It doesn't say, "round up the brown people."  It basically says, if you already have somebody detained and they seem suspicious and you aren't busy doing anything else and they aren't cooperating with an investigation and you aren't considering their race and you aren't encroaching on their civil rights and the immigration database is in arms reach, then you should make a reasonable attempt at determining their immigration status before letting them go.  Wow!  Does that sound like Nazi SS tactics or what?

I do believe TEXAS needs a Governor with a little Backbone or Spine. What is wrong with demanding that the Federal Government step up and do the Job they are elected to do. Rick Perry sends a letter to Obama and asks for help with Illegal Immigrants. This has been going on for many years and it is time to take a position like Jan Brewer of Arizona to protect the citizens of TEXAS. That is the problem with being in office too long and they forget they are sent to the statehouse to do the business of Texas. So if Mr Perry just sits on his CAN and does nothing about this but write letters, I say Goodbye Mr. Perry and Good riddance to our fearless leader in the White House and his minions come November and 2012 if not before.

with all due respect about greencards, first off they (criminals) have to do some thing wrong first, or suspicious. (given suspicous is a bit vague) However if you do nothing wrong and have nothing to hide, what then are you afraid of? Illegal is a crime not a race, illegals cost america billion apon billions,  this is not sustainable or logical. I see no harm in asking for a green card. Silly people thats what they are there for, and you should feel proud to be able to show one or your citizenship. No excuses!
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