Arizona’s “show me your papers” law, passed over a decade ago, continues to have a lasting impact on the state’s immigrant communities and political landscape. The recent Supreme Court decision allowing Texas to arrest and deport migrants has reignited fears and memories of the divisive crackdown in Arizona.
The law, known as Senate Bill 1070, required immigrants to carry immigration documents and gave police the authority to investigate and detain anyone suspected of being in the country illegally. This sparked widespread fear and anger, leading to boycotts, protests, and a political backlash that ultimately removed the law’s architect from office.
For many, the law created a climate of fear and uncertainty in Latino communities across Arizona. Families hurriedly left the state, and some stopped going to work out of fear of being targeted. The law also galvanized a new generation of Latino activists who have since organized, registered voters, and helped elect Democrats in what was once a reliably Republican state.
Despite legal challenges that gutted major provisions of the law, the scars of SB 1070 still remain. Immigrant children who grew up under the law recall feeling constant fear and uncertainty about their future in the United States. The recent push by Arizona Republicans for strict new measures, such as the “Arizona Border Invasion Act,” has reignited concerns about the impact of harsh immigration policies on immigrant communities.
As Arizona grapples with its past and looks towards the future, the legacy of SB 1070 serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated impact that divisive immigration policies can have on individuals and communities.
