McCain Defends AZ Law, Says Federal Govt. Is To Blame
EmailABC’s Z. Byron Wolf reports: Sen. John McCain has a complicated relationship with the tough new immigration enforcement law in Arizona. He never endorsed the bill before it passed, only calling it “good a tool” for law enforcement in the days before it was signed by the Arizona government. More recently, he suggested the law might not pass constitutional muster. His daughter Meghan has become a vocal opponent of the law, calling it “a license to pull someone over for being Hispanic.” But in fiery remarks on the Senate floor Monday afternoon, McCain said justifiable anger and frustration led to the law and blamed inaction by the federal government for its passage. “The people in southern Arizona have had their rights violated by the unending and constant flow of drug smugglers and human traffickers across their property,” said McCain. “Their homes are being broken into. Their rights are being violated. their rights, as American citizens, to live in a safe and secure environment, as most of the pundits who are criticizing this legislation enjoy. The fact is that our borders are broken, they are not secure. It is a federal responsibility to secure our borders. It is not being done,” he said, his voice raised. Later McCain said the federal government bears some responsibility for not doing more earlier to secure the borders. If you don’t like the bill — the legislation that the legislature passed and the governor signed in Arizona, then carry out the federal responsibilities, which are to secure the border. you probably wouldn’t have had this problem,” he said. McCain has a ten point plan, released with his colleague, Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Arizona. Their first recommendation is that President Obama dispatch the National Guard to Arizona’s border. Both men have in past years supported comprehensive immigration reform efforts with Democrats. But both abandoned those efforts when Congress failed to pass a bill in 2007 and now say borders must be secured before any comprehensive bill that includes a way to deal with the millions of undocumented immigrants already in the country can be considered. McCain is locked in a tough primary battle against a more conservative Republican
Santorum: Money Will Not Defeat Obama, Ideas Will 
Rick Santorum's Full Speech at CPAC 2012
Too bad Obama is not worried as my right
as a citizen to protect me from the
drugs, crime and runaway governments budgets
a result of giving education and health
care to illegals.
Posted by: wis134 | April 26, 2010, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm
my plan is to change my partys affliation to Republican for the primary, vote against Gov Brewer, Than after primary switch back to democrat to send a message to tyhe govenor
Posted by: Roger Comer | April 26, 2010, 4:41 pm 4:41 pm
For all the people that like to spout off about the rule of law, you better enforce all of our immigration laws. This is one of the most important laws we have. There are not many things that have such an impact on a population of people, than a mass influx of people, no mater where their origin. Jo …more
For all the people that like to spout off about the rule of law, you better enforce all of our immigration laws. This is one of the most important laws we have. There are not many things that have such an impact on a population of people, than a mass influx of people, no mater where their origin. Jobs and crime strain on all public services and causes a divide in our society. The laws that are put in place should be logical and just, before people should be able to tout about said rule; they must be worthy of respect to be followed. Immigration is one of those laws that is due for respect and enforcement. If not prepared to enforce the laws that deserve real respect, then we as the people, will not follow any of the laws we feel we should not. There are plenty of laws that this tactic could be used on due to shadiness, so logicality and commitment to just laws needs to occur. Immigration is important for any country to maintain itself. Laws are put in place to be followed and improve a nation, so do so.
Posted by: JHarvey | April 26, 2010, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm
Hey Roger, good plan….NOT !!! 71 %of
Az. residents back this bill and 50% of
the Dems. in AZ. If the Feds would take
care of the border, this bill would not
have not passed. The Dems are only interested in the illegals as a political
tool and nothing else. Obama looses this
argument when he takes the side of people
who choose to break the law…but then
thats what his circle of friends are
known for too.
Posted by: wis134 | April 26, 2010, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm
McCain is wishy-washy and has become a politician of opportunity. Since July 2008 John has only gone downhill. I would never have thought my opinion of John McCain would deteriorate so quickly, but it has, just like my opinion of Randy Cunningham fell off the cliff after his corruption scandal. Might as well have Ernie’s rubber duck occupying McCain’s senate seat.
Posted by: Rick | April 26, 2010, 4:58 pm 4:58 pm
I find it ironic that Sen. McCain blames the Federal Government, since he’s been a ranking member of that government for quite a long time. If immigration was such a problem, why didn’t he do something about it when Bush was in Control and they were ramrodding all those liberty infringing laws and breaking the country finanically?
Posted by: al | April 26, 2010, 5:03 pm 5:03 pm
I think that “The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire” should be taught in all of our schools. All of these illegals will surely be a big factor in the decline of our country.
Posted by: GTR5 | April 26, 2010, 5:17 pm 5:17 pm
Why didn’t McCain do anything about the border why He and Bush ran the country for 6 of the last 8 year? Since he works for the federal government that mean he is the blame.
Posted by: tonyatq | April 26, 2010, 5:36 pm 5:36 pm
McCain is funny… in a sad way. This illegal immigration has been snowballing throughout his entire political tenure. Has he been ignoring the voters of Arizona for the past couple of decades?
Funny too, how the illegals are trying to make it a racial problem instead of a mere legal issue. Don’t be suckered into thinking the Arizona law enforcement is out to harass Hispanics.. most of the cops are Hispanic, as are most of the unionized state, county, and city employees… so try another angle in gaining sympathy and support.
Posted by: union juanita | April 26, 2010, 6:01 pm 6:01 pm
I read the bill and it was nearly identical to the federal statute on immigration. The bill specifically states that you can not detain without probable cause. It is sad that states have to adopt the same law as the federal government to enforce what the feds should be enforcing. So what obama and the rest of this regime is that they do not want to have immigration laws nor border control.
Posted by: Tammy | April 26, 2010, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
Funny McCain blames the federal Government,is he not a senator from Az? Why did he not sponsor this type of bill at least to get attenetion to the problem? Wishy Washy politican,hope he looses his re-election bid. Maybe Obama will come and campaign for him?
Posted by: stormerF2 | April 26, 2010, 7:31 pm 7:31 pm
The “ILLEGAL FELON IMMIGRANTS” have NO respect for the Arizona State Capital Building, just as THEY have NO respect for the Immigration Laws of the United States !!!
Pass an Amnesty Bill ???
You mean another U.S. Law that they will not respect or comply with !!!
The “ILLEGAL FELON IMMIGRANTS” actually believe that they can intimidate the State of Arizona and the U.S. Govt. into legalizing THEIR ILLEGAL behavior !!!
WE, the LEGAL Citizens/Taxpayers/Voters of the U.S. demand that the Fed. Govt. finally grow a pair and show the ILLEGAL FELON IMMIGRANTS that THEY are not still in Mexico !!!
O’BlahBlah took an Oath when he was sworn in as President to Follow the Constitution and ENFORCE the Laws of this Nation !!!
Will he keep his Oath to the Citizens/Taxpayers/Voters of the Nation, or will HE cave into the demands of ILLEGAL FELON IMMIGRANTS !!!
Time for The Liar in Chief to decide where his loyalties are !!!
BTW: I am looking forward to Texas passing a similar Bill ASAP !!! I’m getting more than a little tired of this “Press 1 to continue in English” crap !!!
Posted by: thgirbla | April 26, 2010, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
If McCain wants to do something that will immediately help immigration he should submit a bill in the Senate to stop transfer of all bank funds to Mexico without the submitting person going through bank ground checks and limits of funds. This would cause a great hurt to the Mexican economy and the transfer of dollars out of the US by illegal alliens causing them more of a break with home.
Posted by: Jeff G | April 26, 2010, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
The problem started back in January 2009. Up to that point there were absolutely ZERO illegal immigrants in the U.S.. 1 minute after Obama was sworn in, 10 million plus illegal immigrants crossed the border. Obama did nothing about it because somehow he was hoping to find SOME way of allowing these illegal immigrants to vote. Thank you Obama haters. You’ve cleared that one up for me. Next, explain why you don’t want big government telling YOU what to do, but you sure don’t mind it if Arizona want big brother to violate the 4th amendment as long as YOU’RE not the one being harassed.
Posted by: Faurtz8 | April 26, 2010, 8:39 pm 8:39 pm
Blame Obama when actually does nothing about this. McCain stop blaming Obama for something your boy George W would not do. Might as well blame yourself as well, because your own party would not bail you out. Now its left of to the inept State Government to do something about. There has to be a better way to stop this problem. I’m for Arizona,I’m not Rep or Dem, I’m an American. People, we saw this problem coming a long time ago. Al, gtr5, tonyatq and union juanita thanks for pointing out the obivous
Posted by: christopher hendrix | April 26, 2010, 8:45 pm 8:45 pm
There is only one group of people who do not want to be asked if they are in this country legally, those who have no respect for our sovereignty. This law specifically requires there to be a probable cause other than immigration status to be questioned. This closes a loophole that the Feds have been using against local law enforcement. It has and continues to be against the law to enter this country illegally. Legal immigrants are required to carry documentation with them all of the time. When USA citizens visit Mexico, we are required to have our tourist card on us at all times. For those of you who don’t live in Arizona, you have no idea of the cost or level of criminal activity that is the result of an uncontrolled flood of people entering this country illegally. We are cutting services for our own citizens. Mexico uses The United States of America as their welfare program, by turning a blind eye to the Hispanic wave racing across their border. This influx is the result of their failed policies and politics. You can be certain that if you illegally entered their country, there would be a Federale pointing an M-16 at the back of your head. Constitutional rights are for citizens and legal immigrants only. I am a legal citizen of this nation, and I do not mind answering a question about my status if I happen to be pulled over. If you have a problem with that question, you might be hiding something We have created a subclass that perpetuates the poverty of these people, by allowing up to 30 million illegal aliens to remain here. The truly sad thing is that they prefer that to residing in their own homeland. We cannot pay for services and programs for legal citizens. We can no longer afford to be Mexico’s social welfare program. Mexico also profits from the many billions of dollars that are wired back to Mexico. That money goes to their economy, not ours. It is also their motivation for ignoring their own borders.
Posted by: Greg | April 26, 2010, 9:40 pm 9:40 pm
Where is the media outrage over the violence of these protesters who were pelting police officers with bottles? Where are Obama, Pelosi and Clinton and their sad speeches about how the rhetoric needs to be toned down? Why is there such a double-standard in the mainstream media? When literally millions of American citizens protest peacefully in downtown Washington DC, there is zero media coverage other than ridicule, dismissal and disbelief. But “hundreds” of illegal aliens violently protest at the Arizona state capitol and the bleeding heart liberal media jump all over it…minus the discussion about the violence. Is there any doubt why the mainstream media are losing their edge? And their viewers?
Posted by: Carl | April 26, 2010, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm
I do not understand. Arizona invites cheap labor to cross border to mow lawns and pick fruit and then gets mad when they want to stay instead of going home to Mexico?
Posted by: Steve from Danville | April 26, 2010, 10:24 pm 10:24 pm
John McCain used to be a Maverick. He wrote an Immigration Bill but now disowns it. Shut up, McCain, you have no credibility on the issue.
Posted by: Steve from Danville | April 26, 2010, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm
McCain – You guys had SIX years under Bush to write what you wished. Evidently it wasn’t the feds fault then.
Posted by: secondlook | April 26, 2010, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm
Now we see, for sure: the GOP is for white people only.
Posted by: Steve from Danville | April 26, 2010, 10:31 pm 10:31 pm
This law would be more acceptable IF it did what it says it’s supposed to do. But that would mean ALL illegals! That means the Diaper Heads included! No one can deny that the Mexican immigrants have by far, done more for the better of this country than the mosleums have ever thought of!!
So, the law is great, IF we start in the right place, and that ain’t Mexico.
Posted by: Debbie | April 26, 2010, 10:32 pm 10:32 pm
Why is any American upset about this new law. There is a federal law that specifically states it is illegal to enter our country illegally. Look how they broke Arizona and especially. They even might have to sell the capitol building because of having to babysit the illegals. Apparently those who protest the new law do not believe in global warming as the hispanic is over-populating out country in leaps and bounds. Arizona has no water as it is, and, they have to keep building new schools to accomadate the illegals. I view the Arizona legislature and the Governer as heroes. They have stood up for all of us Americans the way our own gutless wonders in Washington wouldn’t. Thank you Arizona, I can’t wait to vacation there. You are my heroes!
Posted by: Carl Peterson | April 26, 2010, 10:55 pm 10:55 pm
Mcain is all confused at this point, he should retired
Posted by: Dan | April 27, 2010, 12:13 am 12:13 am
GOP support a national ID requirement for all citizens to prove who they say they are or get arrested. Welcome to the future.
Posted by: Doug | April 27, 2010, 12:28 am 12:28 am
I am A southern Arizona Resident and I would like to invite everyone who lives far away from Arizona and the other border states. To come vistit come walk along the beautiful desert. But have fun not getting shot by the drug runners. This law isn’t completly about the illegal people crossing, it’s about the illegal activity that comes with it. Every week another person is murder in and on their own property. I fear for my family out here. and I am glad that steps are now being taken to protect us. This law may not be the right way to do it. But its a start to protect the true US citizens. Thank you Arizona for final stepping up and serving my comunnity.
Posted by: Trav From Tucson | April 27, 2010, 3:22 am 3:22 am
Wow McCain is doing 180deg, in the right direction.
I remember in 2007 the apaling Kennedy-McCain-Bush amnesty bill….
GO AZ, AND LETS SPREAD THE BILL in 50 STATES.
Posted by: jos | April 27, 2010, 3:28 am 3:28 am
You wonder why people switch to Fox news. Glen Beck was right today when I think he was telling “MSNBC” to stop reporting wow Glen Beck is stupid, and actually going out into the public and finding your own news stories. Second the “ED Show” wow that guy is super retarded. Caucasian people are suppressed and we get nothing for free. I am only twenty five not around sixty five like “ED”. African American’s hate us. See we are a minority in the younger generation and I do not understand why we wouldn’t have a Caucasian history month one day? I find it funny African American’s get free this, free that, and can do harsh crimes to whites but still I have some African American friends. What appalls me the most “ED” is you are an ignorant person to our older and younger Caucasian society. On the topic of “Rush Limbaugh” what are you sad like Al Sharpton that there is finally someone trying to stick up for what is left of our race? I must say this won’t get anywhere because the white struggle is ignored but I had a hell of a struggle in life and I bet “MR. O’reilly” did to. Maybe you just were born with a silver spoon in your mouth. Also “MSNBC” sucks because they are to the left way left. As for me I love the Tea Party and Fox News. Yes African American’s commit home invasions and have the movements of NAACP and many others and they still play the RACE card. This is messed up if a white man were to help me go to college it would be on the news as racist. Finally, my wife is Hispanic, and we have friends of all colors but she is here legally and her family and mine agree that illegal’s should not be in this country but where is the reporting on this? All you show is the bad protesters sometimes I feel “MSNBC” polls crack heads. If you ask my African American friends, my Hispanic friends, or my Caucasian friends they will agree with everything I have said… Ok “ED the Country rich boy”.
Posted by: Eckerson | April 27, 2010, 4:18 am 4:18 am
On this issue my wife is hispanic here legally “we both do not want illegals here” its hurting america! I think the governer did a great job… But in reality illegals like African Americans, while legals and Caucasians are held down stop the race in America and I 100% agree with AZ, we as a nation must put our people of all colors first but OUR PEOPLE BECAUSE MANY MORE N WE CANT EVEN CONTROL CRIME.
Posted by: Eckerson | April 27, 2010, 4:21 am 4:21 am
BUSH IS #1 MCCAIN #2 PALIN #90
Posted by: Eckerson | April 27, 2010, 4:22 am 4:22 am
When you look at the behavior of the protesters in Arizona then look at the Tea Party protesters you see the major difference. And as of yet the coverage of these protesters has been muted by the press. This is a real outstanding example of the media bias that has been going on for way too long now.
Posted by: hkdakota | April 27, 2010, 6:05 am 6:05 am
Sombody has to stand up for the American law. I wish that all of the people that are guilty of illegal citizenship understand that we all have to obey the laws of the USA wheather we like them or not. It is still the damn law!, so abide by it or suffer the outcome for breaking it.
Posted by: Randy Ree | April 27, 2010, 7:21 am 7:21 am
To all those with your usual rants of why didn’t Senator McCain do something:
What part of this paragraph did you not understand?
“Both men have in past years supported comprehensive immigration reform efforts with Democrats. But both abandoned those efforts when Congress failed to pass a bill in 2007 and now say borders must be secured before any comprehensive bill that includes a way to deal with the millions of undocumented immigrants already in the country can be considered.”
Now ask yourself: What political party was in control of Congress in 2007?
Posted by: malcat | April 27, 2010, 7:53 am 7:53 am
Too bad Obama is not worried as my right
as a citizen to protect me from the
drugs, crime and runaway governments budgets
a result of giving education and health
care to illegals.Posted by: wis134 |*************
Sorry, that is not a right for the government to
protect YOU. It protects the Constitution. Pay
your taxes and you’ll have your police, teachers
and personal drug counselor.
Posted by: spacerook1 | April 27, 2010, 8:07 am 8:07 am
McCain loses credibility by not admitting his many years in Congress make him a bit culpable.
One thing to remember when conversing with those objecting to enforcing immigration laws: many of those objecting have benefited monetarily to a large degree. Even in my extended family, there is someone who brags about how cheaply ‘these people’ will work for his landscaping firm. He is extremely well off as a result. My sister knew of a house cleaning firm that employed illegals to work cheap and that man made a lot more money than his competitor hiring Americans.
So when someone is hard against enforcing immigration laws, perhaps they are someone directly benefiting if things remain as they are now. They can only think of their own personal gain, not the good of our country as a whole. Just as insurance execs poured money and lies into fighting health care reform, patriotic, they’re not.
Illegal immigration is a slow motion disaster that we have to deal with now, rather than ignoring as we have in the past. We can do it respectfully but we must do it. I’d recommend free transport, including belongings, to the border. Huge fines for any business that hires illegals, that would partially fund the transport bill. Give repeat offenders mandatory hundreds of hours of community service. It will take a while but we can reverse the situation. I think a state by state approach can ease things somewhat as it would give illegals time to make plans, sell unneeded possessions, etc. Perhaps a small monetary incentive as well as the transport for those who surrender themselves would help ease their way home. These people have broken our laws but they are not for the most part dangerous criminals. They should be treated with respect.
Posted by: Lydia | April 27, 2010, 8:26 am 8:26 am
The mainstream media certainly did a wonderful job of covering the immigration riot in AZ, huh? Anyone seen water bottles being thrown at the cops, etc? Of course not. Have to wait until the next Tea Party where all those nasty folks waving the American flag can be shown.
Posted by: salty dog | April 27, 2010, 9:03 am 9:03 am
Congratulations to Arizona for finally standing up for The united States legal citizens. If you have nothing to hide why do you care if you are asked for your identification? I hope and pray Arizona stands their ground. I believe every state should pass the same law. It is unbeliveable how many illegal people are walking our streets,taking our jobs, getting medical care, food stamps and not bothering to learn our language. When are we going to put Americans first.We have to stop this. This is the United States of America, our language is English, we should not have to push one!
Posted by: Pam | April 27, 2010, 9:43 am 9:43 am