States rights forevuh
by digby
This isn’t the first time a racist Governor has defied the federal government. But it’s been a while:
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed an executive order on Wednesday directing state agencies to deny drivers licenses and other public benefits to anyone benefiting from President Barack Obama’s ‘deferred action’ immigration policy.
In an executive order, Brewer said she was reaffirming the intent of current Arizona law denying taxpayer-funded public benefits and state identification to undocumented immigrants.
“They are here illegally and unlawfully in the state of Arizona and it’s already been determined that you’re not allowed to have a driver’s license if you are here illegally,” Brewer said in a press conference. “The Obama amnesty plan doesn’t make them legally here.”
Young undocumented immigrants around the nation on Wednesday began the process of applying for federal work permits under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
[…]
After that announcement, dozens marched to the capitol Wednesday night, upset with Brewer’s executive order, according to FOX affiliate KSAZ in Arizona.But immigration attorney Jose Penalosa told KSAZ he fully expects the Obama administration to trump Brewer. He believes those approved for deferred action will eventually be allowed to get drivers licenses.
“So I believe the Obama administration’s going to come out and say we’re changing the notes and our tones of our directive, and say these kids are here under color of law and protected by U.S. immigration laws and due process, and/or they have a specific non-visa immigrant category that allows them to have a driver’s license,” said Penalosa.
Let’s hope so. But if it doesn’t come to pass, you have to wonder if it will come to this:
