American cities declared a boycott of the authorities of one state
A crack in the melting pot
The question of what immigration policy should be in a state once founded by immigrants themselves is very important for America. The United States has long prided itself on the right to be called a "melting pot" for all peoples coming to the country. The fact that any newcomer, regardless of native language, skin color, or religion, can fully assimilate into society and become a full-fledged American proved the viability of the state system created by the "founding fathers." This system was based – in theory – on two fundamental principles: strict observance of laws and guaranteed protection of basic human rights.
True, it must be admitted that in practice everything was far from ideal. The Civil War of 1861-1865 between the North and the South left a wound in US history, a scar that has not healed to this day. According to many experts, the problem of racism remains a factor that seriously disintegrates American society.
Immigrants arriving in the country constantly resisted integration, unwilling to give up their language and culture. Many of them sought to settle in isolated neighborhoods, and some did not even know or try to learn English. Thus, over time, the idea of the "melting pot" was replaced by another, the meaning of which was that the US population is more like a salad that remains homogeneous despite the huge number of different ingredients mixed in it.
But, one way or another, immigration was traditionally considered a natural process in the United States. As in any other country in the world, in America it had both supporters and opponents, but the majority of Americans still believed and still believe that the chance to become a US citizen should be available to anyone who wants it.
Wall of contempt
At the end of April, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer dared to challenge the American system of values by signing a law significantly tightening the state's immigration policy. It is expected that after it comes into force in July 2010, Arizona police will have the right to stop on the street any person whose legal status they doubt, demand all their documents for inspection, and subject them to interrogation. If the suspect does not have proper documents confirming their right to reside in the United States, they may be detained and subsequently deported.
Thus, the state authorities attempted to stem the influx of illegal immigrants from Mexico, who, according to some legislators, cause significant damage to the economy and security of the country. The question of what to do with illegal Mexicans has long been a headache for American legislators. Radicals like Senator from the same Arizona and former US presidential candidate John McCain propose building an extended wall on the border with Mexico as soon as possible and immediately sending 3,000 border guards to patrol it. Others hold the opinion that illegal immigrants not involved in offenses should eventually be given residency and even citizenship.
In any case, the law signed in Arizona produced the effect of a bomb exploding in the United States. Americans began to express their dissatisfaction with the authorities and even residents of the state at various levels and through various means.
Thus, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, speaking at a speech, jokingly noted that "now he is afraid to go to Arizona because of his accent he might be deported." A Chicago school basketball team refused to participate in a tournament that was to be held in Arizona due to the "discriminatory" law. Major League Baseball Commissioner Michael Weiner threatened to refuse to hold the 2011 championship in Arizona.
According to The Washington Post, about 23 conferences, conventions, and meetings were canceled in the state as part of the boycott. Fuel was added to the fire by the Republican Party's decision to hold its 2012 convention, at which a single presidential candidate will be nominated, not in Arizona but in Florida.
Representatives of various faiths also demonstrated surprising unity on the immigration law issue. Rabbis, imams, and Catholic priests from Chicago published a joint statement categorically condemning the actions of the Arizona authorities.
In addition, according to media estimates, not counting the consequences of a political nature, the boycott could also damage Arizona's economy. Due to the cancellation of sporting and cultural events, as well as a decrease in the number of tourists, the state budget will soon be missing millions of dollars.
Two sides of one law
Despite such decisive condemnation of the law, which has already been called "racist," "discriminatory," and even "Nazi," not all Americans reacted negatively to the idea of tightening control over immigrants.
Thus, a poll conducted by McClatchy-Ipsos among about a thousand Americans showed that 61 percent of respondents generally support the Arizona law. At the same time, 46 percent of surveyed Democrats consider the law useful for Arizona, and 49 percent of representatives of the Democratic Party, traditionally more lenient on immigration issues, believe that a similar law should be introduced in their state as well.
The popularity of supporters of uncontrolled immigration is not helped by the fact that critics of the Arizona authorities include both Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who traditionally blames the US for all mortal sins, and the leadership of the Mexican state of Coahuila, located on the border with the US. Having declared the cessation of all contacts with Arizona and calling its policy 'racist', the Mexican state nevertheless 'forgot' that a similar law has long been in effect in Mexico itself, under which police have the right to check documents of any foreigner, and in case of refusal, to detain them until identity is established.
So perhaps the Arizona law has attracted so much criticism not because of its content, but because of the way it was adopted. After all, ahead of the November congressional elections, the Democratic Party's position is not strong enough for its supporters to turn a blind eye to such actions.
Anna ZOTOVA.
Lenta.ru