HOUSTON (FOX 26) -
"Show me your papers". It's part of Arizona's immigration law that is NOT unconstitutional.
That's the final ruling by the US Supreme Court and local activists fear other states, including Texas, will follow their lead. That's why a number of representatives from several organizations, including Houston United/Unidos, gathered at the Iglesia Nueva Vida Church Monday night.
All of them had one question on their mind: "Am I a US Citizen?"
Gerardo Cardenas was there to discuss what's next for Houstonians, since he believes "when the US Supreme Court rules on something like this, then many states will follow and that's what we will see, sadly."
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Nothing has been said about changing any laws here in Texas. Arizona leaders declared the ruling a victory and here at home, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst agreed as he addressed a crowd of journalists Monday morning.
"For the life and protection of the police officers, I for one have supported of allowing the police not putting a ban but allowing police officers on a lawful stop to be able to inquire about the immigration
status."
Maria Jimenez, also in attendance at Monday's meeting, disagrees and says the question may not even be necessary given that many people are afraid of answering the police.
"Houston United did a survey in January and out of 110 people surveyed, 80 percent told us they were afraid to call on the police, even if they were victims of a crime because of the fear of deportation or of a family member," Jimenez said.
And before it goes any further, activists plan to be pro-active before any possible changes to Texas law.
