Despite a majority of Arizonans and Americans attitudes on illegal immigration, 56% of whom believe illegal immigration is a serious problem, President Obama just doesn't see it. Today at American University, President Obama delivered his immigration reform speech, reaffirming his opposition to Arizona's new immigration law calling it "divisive" and "unenforceable", saying it would make the streets more "dangerous." Depending upon which poll you look at, anywhere between 60 and 70% of Arizonans back the law. In fact, more Americans want an Arizona style law in their states.
Into this breach, states like Arizona have decided to take matters into their own hands. Given the levels of frustration across the country, this is understandable. But it is also ill conceived. And it’s not just that the law Arizona passed is divisive -– although it has fanned the flames of an already contentious debate. Laws like Arizona’s put huge pressures on local law enforcement to enforce rules that ultimately are unenforceable. It puts pressure on already hard-strapped state and local budgets. It makes it difficult for people here illegally to report crimes -– driving a wedge between communities and law enforcement, making our streets more dangerous and the jobs of our police officers more difficult. And you don’t have to take my word for this. You can speak to the police chiefs and others from law enforcement here today who will tell you the same thing.
For a full text of the Arizona immigration law, and to also touch base on that nasty rumor there's nothing to combat racial profiling, check out this LA Times article: "Read for yourself: The full text of Arizona's controversial illegal immigrant law.