Whether or not I believe that the law is correct will not effect my decision as to whether or not I visit a National Park in AZ. The legislature passed the law, not the people. Yes, the people voted in the legislature but we all know that once someone is elected into power, we have little say in how they vote. The people of AZ don't deserve to lose income because of a law they have no control over. Boycotting the National Parks in AZ will effect countless small businesses who rely on the tourist dollars. Just imagine a small mom and pop motel having to close its doors because not enough people will come and visit AZ due to an immigration law. I think that its important to let your voice be heard but to make sure not to punish the little guy who is just and innocent bystard of politcal policy.

Let me guess, you're Caucasian aren't you? I guess that means you're free from being harassed and racially profiled. Good for you. I unfortunately am a Mexican-American. An American citizen as it were and I will not stand to even have the thought of being bullied around by police officials just for the way I look. And don't tell me I'm wrong. Just because I'm Mexican, you or any other small minded person might think I'm illegal. That gives you the right to confront me, force me to show you some proof that I belong here? That's ridiculous and a violation of free rights to *exist*. But just because it'll never happen to you because you're white you don't care how it would feel. Secondly, every single first world country other than ours requires their citizens to learn another language. Because it's to educate and add culture to people. Don't you realize the perception others hold of this "great" country? You probably don't.

So, it's not illegal for an Arizona business owner to hire an illegal immigrant, but it is illegal for the illegal immigrant to live in the state of Arizona. Talk about a hypocrisy!

I often wonder if people that post on these blogs or spout off in public realize that opinions liberally spiced with personal insults work wonderfully for turning popular opinion against their cause. I come into this conversation being largely ambivalent of Arizona's actions - certainly not horrified by any aspect of them. Then I find posts by ypw that actually make me think, and I start wavering. Seconds later I read others that seem intent on causing insult to anyone that expresses support and I'm galvanized in my original thoughts. I usually look at these issues intellectually and with an open mind, but it's hard not to be influenced by the fray. It works both directions, interestingly enough. This issue has seen me swing to the right, while I entered the guns-in-the-parks debate on the right and have been completely swayed to the left (anti-gun) by the pro-gun posters here.

Just an observation. I wish every discussion was filled with nothing but posts like the ones y_p_w makes here.

Kurt-

I am from Arizona and my answer to which parks I will attend is this. I will go to any park that is at least 60 miles away from the border. I love Organ Pipe and would have loved to hike on some of the back trails. I no longer would feel safe there due to the heavy illegal drug and human smuggling.

It would be nice to visit the ghost towns of Dusguene, or the Huachuca Mtns. Again, another corridor now made unsafe due to illegal border crossings. Again, ten years ago I wouldn't have had a thought at all about the safety.

I am an avid hiker and my goal this year is to hike as many of the tallest peaks in AZ as possible. I considered going to the Chiracahuas because it has one of the highest peaks and is a beautiful area. I was there a week ago and drove down Turkey Creek Road. At the boundary of either the National Forest Land or possibly the National Monument, I was greeted by a huge sign warning that caution must be taken when entering the area due to the large volume of illegal human and drug smuggling. I know that a rancher was recently murdered in this area a day after he reported suspicious drug activity on his property. He was responding to an immigrant in distress at his cattle water tank when he was shot at. This made me take heed of the sign. As I was trying to find a place to turn around, I saw a beautiful ten foot waterfall filled with the spring run-off. But I couldn't stop...parked next to this area was an unmarked, well-used pickup truck next to a type of white van, the variety of which I've seen used to transfer a lot of Hispanics that appear to be illegal immigrants (some may call this xenophobia, but I call it sound judgement based on experience). It occurred to me this might be forest service vehicles. But I wasn't going to speculate.

I'm a registered Democrat in the state of Arizona who is not too fond of the current state legislature. I'm concerned about the wording of the bill, as expressed by many on the post. But to not understand the frustration that led to the passage of this bill is to be naive of a very real threat along our borders. 80% of illegal immigration occurs through Arizona.

I want my parks and national forests back that are funded by my tax dollars. No longer should they be rampant corridors of human/drug smuggling. I want to feel safe when I travel through this beautiful state. So my peak-bagging will be confined to central and northern AZ.

Thank you,
Lisa

I'm not real fond of Russel Pierce, who sponsored the bill. But in his defense, he was also responsible for sponsoring the bill that does target employers. But that is very hard to enforce given that there are so many employers and illegal immigrants are dispersed throughout a myriad of small businesses. Also, id fraud is very prevalent in AZ.

Though many support the intent of the bill here in AZ (me included), I would like to see these legislators out of office for many other reasons. Pierce is in charge of which bills get brought to the state legislature and has proven an inability to be an honest broker. I don't think his intentions are pure and his single-mindedness about the immigration issue is born out of personal tragedy due to his own run-ins with illegal immigrants.

AZ Lisa et al.,

Is there a wave of violence inflicted upon park travelers by immigrants illegally crossing the border? There are a few anecdotes being invoking here, but is there any evidence of a crime spree imperiling travelers to Texas an AZ parks?