Looks like this is what the Arizona GOP is planning to bring their xenophobic base out to the polls in 2008:
Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, says he is introducing measures this legislative session to:
- Deny regular birth certificates to babies born in Arizona unless at least one parent proves citizenship.
- Expand the state crime of trespass to cover anyone in the U.S. without authorization.
- Require proof of legal presence in the U.S. to register a vehicle or get a title.
- Deny workers’ compensation benefits to undocumented workers injured on the job.
- Bar local policies that prohibit police officers from checking the immigration status of those they encounter.
Pearce is not taking any chances the measures will be rejected by Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano, who previously vetoed a trespass bill and similar proposals. All are being drafted so if they pass the Republican-controlled Legislature they go directly to the ballot.
The fact that that first provision is meant to deny citizenship to people born within the borders of the United States — and therefore unconstitutional under the 14th amendment — won’t prevent the legislature from allowing this proposition go to the ballot. They’ve proven that they can’t be trusted to uphold the Constitution.