Phoenix—Arizona’s tough new immigration law is being met with boycotts, outcries, and protests, including many by concerned students. On April 23, Governor Jan Brewer signed a law aimed at identifying, prosecuting, and deporting illegal immigrants. The law, set to go into effect in August, makes it a crime to not carry proper immigration documents.

Arizona is the first state to set such tough standards. Proponents say the law was necessary because the federal government hasn’t acted on the issue. “When do we stand up for Americans and America? Enough is enough,” said Arizona state senator Russell Pearce. “We’re not taking it anymore. We’re going to enforce our laws, with compassion.”

About 460,000 of America’s 10.8 million illegal immigrants live in Arizona. Some people blame them for crimes, but others point out they play key roles in the state’s labor force.

“We work for the people of Arizona, and now they don’t want us,” said Miguel, who was recently caught by the Border Patrol but vows to try crossing again.

Mexican leaders have warned citizens about the law’s ramification but don’t think it will be a deterrent. “If they think the migrants will stop coming, they’re wrong,” said one official.

Opponents of the law say it will result in racial profiling, harassment, and discrimination. President Obama said it threatened “to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and our communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.”

While marching at the Arizona state capitol, Jhon Tesoro, a member of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, said, “It’s beyond an immigration issue. It’s beyond a color issue. It’s a human issue for us. We would [march] for any group of people under attack.”

Sources: azcentral.com, nytimes.com, foxnews.com, msnbc.com

Discussion Questions:

• How do you feel about this new law? Do you expect other states to follow Arizona’s lead? Do you think boycotts and protests will convince Arizona leaders to rethink their stance? Why or why not?

• How serious of a problem would you say illegal immigration is in America? Do you feel its impact? If so, explain. What solutions should be implemented? Do you admire Arizona leaders for at least trying something, or do you think they’re taking the wrong approach? Explain.

• Why does America appeal to so many outsiders? How much control should Americans and American leaders have over who enjoys our freedoms? Should we be willing to extend these freedoms to anyone who wants or needs them? If so, who should pay for that?

• What do you think your life would be like if you’d been born elsewhere? If you wanted to come to America illegally, would Arizona’s law make you think twice? Why or why not?

• Is it unfair or unjust to set any immigration policies? Explain. Does Arizona’s law discriminate against people? In what ways could the law be misused? In what ways could it be enforced with compassion?

• How “equally” do you treat other people? Do you accept everyone or try to keep your distance from certain people or groups? Explain. What steps, if any, are you willing to take for other people who are facing hardship?

• In what ways do you feel like an “alien” on this earth? Do you consider heaven to be your true home? If so, how does that affect your earthly life?

Scripture links: Leviticus 19:33-34; Deuteronomy 24:14-22; Ruth 2:1-13; Isaiah 10:1-3; Hebrews 11:8-10, 13-16; and 1 Peter 2:9-11.

Stephanie Martin is a freelance writer and editor in Colorado.