Governors Speak Out Against SB1070

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Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is making a lot of headlines for her unwavering support of SB1070, the anti-immigrant bill she signed into law. But many other governors from across the country have recently stepped up to criticize the bill.

Some called it "un-American," while others highlighted the inevitable and unseemly use of racial profiling that will result from its implementation. Governors from Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania have said they disagree with the Arizona law or would outright veto any copycat legislation. Below are statements from leaders of several other states:

"I'm concerned about the whole idea of carrying papers and always having to be able to prove your citizenship," said Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell. "That brings up some shades of some other regimes that weren't necessarily helpful to democracy."

"It's against the democratic ideals of this country," said New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. "It's a step backwards. It's impractical."

"I have concerns with portions of the law passed in Arizona and believe it would not be the right direction for Texas," said Texas Governor Rick Perry.

"Hispanic Americans have the right to be unhappy about the fact that they might be pulled over," said former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. "If I were being pulled over because I looked a certain way, I would be highly offended."

“I was also going to give a graduation speech in Arizona this weekend, but with my accent, I was afraid they would try to deport me,” California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"The governor believes immigration is primarily a federal issue," said Paul Sund, a spokesman for Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry.

"I think it creates unintended consequences," said former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. "It's difficult for me to imagine how you're going to enforce this law. It places a significant burden on local law enforcement and you have civil liberties issues that are significant as well."

“Clearly, you cannot just, on a hunch, question people. That would be a violation of the 14th Amendment," said Utah Governor Gary Herbert. "You certainly can't use national origin, ethnicity, the color of your skin as a criteria for a hunch...I think there's a threshold here that needs to be discussed and debated so we don't find us being accused of racial profiling.”