Arizona’s ‘Show Me Your Papers’ provision becomes effective

United States, 22nd September: The much protested and highly controversial provision of Arizona immigration law finally became effective Wednesday to the awe and agony of large number of immigrants.

The move lead to state-wide protests by civil rights groups alleging systematic racial discrimination.

‘Show me your papers’ takes effect—Arizona’s immigration law asking people to reveal their papers has finally been approved. As per the law, police officials can ask any individual about his or her immigration status as part of the lawful contact whenever they find any reasonable doubt of the person being an unlawful immigrant.

After the ruling was announced by the court, the activists took to streets in big numbers.

They could be seen holding placards in their hands and shouting ‘No papers, no fears!’ as they took to protest against the much hyped Arizona immigration law outside a USICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) building.

It may be worth mentioned here that way back in June this year, this provision of Arizona immigration law was upheld by US Supreme Court. But, opponents had maintained that it was likely to result in racial profiling of Latinos and even their detention.

SB 1070 ruling sends fears, panic among immigrants—Those living in the US as undocumented immigrants are feeling too scared since they don’t have any knowledge as to what could happen.

So, they are taking all precautions. People are not letting their kids to attend the afterschool sports, says Beatrice Jernigan, a resident of Tempe.

Documents needed to prove your status in Arizona--As per Arizona immigration law, the documents showing proof of US citizenship are restricted to a valid Arizona non-operating identification license, any identification issued by either a valid federal states or a local government (in case the issuers need a proof of his or her legal presence in the US), valid driver’s license in Arizona, or a valid tribal identification including a tribal enrollment card.

Don’t reveal your place of birth—Immigrants, especially undocumented ones, are being educated through a campaign to remain silent with regard to their place of birth.

They are being guided through an education campaign to provide just their name and their date of birth in case they are stopped by police officials in Arizona. And undocumented immigrants must never carry with them the documents showing their place of birth, the campaign warns.