Monday
Apr262010
Homeland Security Secretary Blasts Arizona's New Immigration Law
Monday, April 26, 2010 at 5:08PM
By Laurel Brishel Prichard University of New Mexico/ Talk Radio News Service
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, who served as Arizona's governor prior to joining the Obama administration, voiced her concern Monday over a controversial immigration bill passed in her former home state and recently signed into law.
"That ... is a misguided law," Napolitano told ABC News.
On Friday, President Barack Obama expressed a similar sentiment.
"The recent efforts in Arizona ... threaten to undermine basic notions of fairness we cherish as Americans as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keep us safe," Obama said during a naturalization ceremony for immigrants serving in the U.S. military.
Critics charge that the legislation, which allows police officers to request proof of citizenship if an individual raises suspicions over his status in the country, could lead to a wave of civil rights violations.
During a separate appearance Monday before the Aero Club of Washington, a D.C. based aviation organization, Napolitano said that the administration will use the 90 days before the law goes into place to evaluate the bill in depth and possibly take steps to counter the legislation.
"The President has directed the Justice Department to look into what challenges should be made," said Napolitano.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, who served as Arizona's governor prior to joining the Obama administration, voiced her concern Monday over a controversial immigration bill passed in her former home state and recently signed into law.
"That ... is a misguided law," Napolitano told ABC News.
On Friday, President Barack Obama expressed a similar sentiment.
"The recent efforts in Arizona ... threaten to undermine basic notions of fairness we cherish as Americans as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keep us safe," Obama said during a naturalization ceremony for immigrants serving in the U.S. military.
Critics charge that the legislation, which allows police officers to request proof of citizenship if an individual raises suspicions over his status in the country, could lead to a wave of civil rights violations.
During a separate appearance Monday before the Aero Club of Washington, a D.C. based aviation organization, Napolitano said that the administration will use the 90 days before the law goes into place to evaluate the bill in depth and possibly take steps to counter the legislation.
"The President has directed the Justice Department to look into what challenges should be made," said Napolitano.
Reader Comments