Locals Weigh In on Immigration Developments
Updated: Wednesday, 28 Jul 2010, 9:45 PM CDT
Published : Wednesday, 28 Jul 2010, 5:52 PM CDT
HOUSTON - The Rio Grande is a natural barrier. An international border so feared, it's known as the Rio Bravo to our neighbors in Mexico.
But through the years, the river with two names has failed to deter hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants.
State representative Debbie Riddle (R-Houston) is planning to step in.
"Arizona, Texas, and every other state not only have a right, they have a duty to do what is necessary in order to protect their citizens," said Riddle.
On the day a federal judge blocked the heart of Arizona's controversial immigration enforcement law, Riddle pledged to re-file a similar bill here in Texas.
"I view what's happening in Texas especially more of a political opportunity than a chance to change the law," said Fox 26 Legal Analyst Chris Tritico.
Over at the Clear Channel Radio Studios, conservative talk show host Michael Berry started his afternoon show with an attempt at soothing listeners.
"I'm getting panicked emails from people who think it's the end of the world. (That) all is lost," said Berry. "Trust me all is not lost. While the issue was lost in a court of law, I think in the court of public opinion, Arizona forced the issue and thats been positive."
Others agreed with the judge's temporary injunction, arguing no state, not Arizona, not Texas, should try to do the job of the federal government.
"If we did that then the state could (also) file a bill and get involved in how we handle Iraq or how we handle Iran or any of the other federal issues," said State Senator Mario Gallegos (D-Houston). "You just can't do it."
The Arizona law isn't completely gone.
As it goes through appeals courts, the states will continue to struggle to secure their borders.
The question is: how?
"I think it has to go to the U.S. Supreme Court," said Tritico. "That's gonna take four or five years, but I think it has to go to the Supreme Court for that final stamp."
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FOX 26 Reporter Ford Atkinson contributed to this report