US judge OKs Arizona 'show me your papers' law

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Created on Monday, 10 September 2012 15:12

Written by Editorial staff

A US federal judge has approved a controversial provision of the state of Arizona's immigration law, which would see police carry the rights to ask people for their papers, such as their immigration visa, proving that they're legally allowed to be in the United States.

Dubbed by critics as the 'show me your papers' provision, it's been the subject of a two year legal battle culminating in an appearance before the Federal Court,which approved the provision.

Other aspects of Arizona's immigration law have already been in effect for a number of years but this provision regarding papers hasn't been implemented due to opponents fighting it in court.

Federal Judge Bolton has given the final stamp of approval on Wednesday, September 5, despite arguments that this would lead to racial profiling.

Representatives for Arizona governor Jan Brewer are insisting that the speculation of racial profiling is unfounded, the Associated Press reports. They say that the police have had extensive training to ensure that these measures are only utilised when police believe there is definite likelihood of immigration fraud. It's also argued that other components of the immigration law has been in effect for two years but has rarely been used.

These laws came to be after voters became frustrated due to the fact that Arizona was the busiest illegal entry point to the United States. Other states that also have a problem with illegal arrivals have adopted forms of the Arizona laws. These states include Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Utah.

However, Judge Bolton did grant a suspension of the provision which would see people who harbour illegal arrivals prosecuted.

The office of Arizona governor said that the law should come into effect soon.

Migration agents will want to keep an eye on the latest developments in the US - particularly as the nation has close immigration ties with Australia.

However, in Australia's Department of Immigration's quarterly report, China has replaced the United States as the second highest appliers of visitor visas to Australia.

China in 2011-12 lodged 336,834 applications for visitor visas compared to 305,053 from the US.

The high population of China could be a possible factor as well as the modesty of the US economy.

Business visitor visas from the US were also up over the year, up 9.3 per cent to 68,663.