KJZZ Here and Now Weblog

Here and Now - Border Deaths, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor

How much is opportunity worth to some people? In the case of more than 400 individuals who tried crossing the US/Mexico border, it's worth their life. Although I'm sure few thought they would perish on their way to what they hoped were better lives. Such is the case every year along the US/Mexican border. The highest number of deaths reached almost 500 in 2005. But get this. That year, Border Patrol arrested 1.2 million people trying to cross the border illegally. This past fiscal year, the number of arrests are less than half of that amount.

We'll talk to Robert Gilbert, Tucson Sector Chief, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, about what his agency is doing to prevent border deaths. We'll also talk to representatives of the ACLU and 'No More Deaths' about a new report that calls for more action to be taken.

Plus, she is Arizona's most recognized public servant. Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will be on to talk about civic discourse and the lack there of in politics and policy today.

Please post your question or comment for our guests. If you don't see it right away, it's because I have to moderate this page to prevent spammers from going to town.

Here and Now - Secertary Napolitano

Okay, you'd think it would have been easier to book a guest we had on almost every month for five years straight. Think again. Janet Napolitano went from being a big fish in small pond as Arizona Governor to a big fish in a huge ocean as Secretary of Homeland Security. It's not that our former Governor didn't want to come back on KJZZ's Here and Now, it's just that her schedule has been very demanding. And, well, let's face it, while she appreciated the wide range of questions that both host Steve Goldstein and KJZZ listeners would ask, the KJZZ audience is just a smidgen compared to the number of people who watch national networks. So, why give time to this little ol' Phoenix radio station when you can have hundreds of thousands, or even millions of people see her on network and cable news? (That is, when they're not covering the latest gossip about Michael Jackson's death. But I digress, as I often tend to do here. )

But as Steve will say, quality matters a lot more than size. And he plans to pack as many quality questions into his interview with the former governor. That's where you come in. We want your input on what you'd like to hear discussed. Even though we asked for as much time as possible with the Secretary of Homeland Security, we only have just over ten minutes with her. And in the interest of full disclosure, we are unable to do the interview live, so we'll be taping the conversation Tuesday.

We will however, do a live interview with Rafe Esquith. Who you say? Mr. Esquith is an extraordinary California educator who wrote the best selling book Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire. He will be in the valley Thursday to sign copies of his new book Lighting Their Fires: Raising Extraordinary Children in a Mixed-Up, Muddled-Up, Shook-Up World. The book provides insight on how parents can help their children build character and instill habits that can lead to a fulfilling life.

Here and Now: Local Immigration Policies

A panel made up of two former Arizona US Attorneys, a former Arizona Attorney General, and Maricopa County Attorney has recommended a new policy for Phoenix Police to deal with illegal immigrants. Police will ask immigration status of anyone arrested for a misdemeanor or felony crime, but not for civil violations, such as jaywalking, speeding, etc. They will also not ask immigration status of victims and eyewitnesses. What do you think of the new policy? Does it go far enough? Not enough? Or too far?

Plus, what are your thoughts on the state's employer sanctions law now that a federal judge has said it's legal. Is that giant sucking sound coming from the thousands of illegal immigrants leaving the state afraid they won't find jobs? Are business owners suffering because they can't find workers, or are they having to pay more to get people to do jobs? Post your comments and questions below!

Here and Now: Illegal Immigration

The countdown is on. The state's new employer sanction's law is scheduled to take effect January 1. That is, if a lawsuit by opponents doesn't stop it first. Already, there are reports of hundreds, perhaps, thousands of immigrants losing jobs as employers go through I-9 forms and ask employees to supply missing documentation. The Mexican Consul reports it has been deluged with thousands of phone calls from Mexican nationals about what the new law means to them. Will there be a giant sucking sound when January 1 hits and employers caught looking the other way will now face the potential of losing their business licenses?

Also, as the employer sanctions saga plays out, a groundswell is underway to put a legislative referendum on the ballot to force local police to enforce federal immigration law. Here and Now looks at the positives and negatives of such a policy.

What do you think? Let us know below. If you don't see your message posted right away, don't worry, we'll get it up ASAP. We just have to monitor posts to keep those pesky spammers from flooding our blog.

Here and Now: Nervous Employers and Immigrants

Hundreds of Arizona employers are beginning to worry. They know they have people who might be illegal on their payroll and are scared that they could jeopardize their business. Others companies that rely on illegal immigrants wonder where they will find legal employees who will work for low wages in jobs that most Americans don't want. On the other hand, tens of thousands of illegal immigrants worry that they might lose their jobs once the new employer sanctions law takes effect. Many are asking the Mexican Consul about how the new law will affect them. Some are looking into moving to other states. The employer sanctions law is already having an impact three months before it goes into effect. What to you think about it? Your questions and comments are welcome below!

The Chandler Roundup: Ten Years Later

As more local law enforcement agencies contemplate having officers trained to handle immigration related matters, KJZZ looks back at an immigrant sweep that had unintended consequences.

Ten years ago Chandler Police and Border Patrol conducted a joint operation that ended in the arrest and deportation of hundreds of undocumented immigrants. In the process, police stopped people and cars without suspicion that a crime or violation had occured (probable cause). Chandler police officers also asked legal residents for proof of citizenship--something officers did not have the training or authority to do. The city ultimately settled a federal civil rights lawsuit over the matter, but the negative publicity and mistrust created by the raid took years to overcome.

What do you think about the Chandler raid? Was it a good idea that was carried out badly or just a dark episode in the history of the East Valley city? What role should local police play when it comes to dealing with the illegal immigrant community? Post your comment below!

Listen to KJZZ's three part series on "The Chandler Roundup: Ten Years Later" at 6:30 and 8:30 Monday through Wednesday during Morning Edition. Then listen to KJZZ's Here and Now as it takes a closer look at the 'Chandler Roundup' and the lessons learned from eleven to noon Wednesday, July 25.

Here and Now: Immigration Reform Update

Here and Now revisits the issue of immigration reform. Just when you thought it was safe to negotiate immigration reform, all sorts of supporters and opponents come out in force. What does a comprehensive reform package look like today? What are the major sticking points? Can and will Congress be able to pass immigration reform. Your comments and questions are wanted. Let us know what you think!

Here and Now: Bail for Illegal Immigrants

Prop 100 denies bail to illegal immigrants arrested on serious felonies. But fingers began pointing after a migrant arrested for serious crimes was transferred from jail to immigration agents and deported. The man came back and allegedly murdered an East Valley man.

Here and Now sorts through the rhetoric to find out what happened and what's being done to prevent something like this from happening again.

You're invited to join the discussion April 11 from 11am to noon by calling 480.774.8200 during the show or by posting a comment or question ahead of time by clicking on "comments" link below.

Here and Now - Illegal Immigration

This week on Here and Now, we meet Alonzo Pena, the new head of the state's Immigration and Customs Enforcement department. Host Steve Goldstein and Mr. Pena will discuss homeland security, along with the improved relationship between the Governor, Sherrif Arpaio, and his department.

Additional background information for this discussion, see the Here and Now "Fast Facts".

To post a question ahead of time, click on the link below. To call-in during the show, phone (480) 774-8200.

Immigration Reform

On Wednesday, September 27th from 11:00 until noon on KJZZ's Here and Now, we explore illegal immigration and the prospects for comprehensive reform in Washington.

We'll discuss the state of the movement that led to last spring's record-breaking march through Phoenix. Will Congress only address border security, or will lawmakers debate a guest worker program, as well? And Arizona's general election ballot has four immigration-related initiatives to vote on. We'll discuss them.

To ask a question during the show, call 480-774-8200 or you can post a question ahead of time by clicking on the "comments" link below.

Aftermath of Proposition 200

In this hour of Here and Now, we'll talk with James Garcia, editor of Latino Perspectives Magazine about the aftermath of Proposition 200. A legal battle is shaping up that will likely block 200 from taking effect. We'll get reaction from the Latino community to the measure that's designed to prevent illegal immigrants from getting welfare benefits.

Please note: the following web addresses will be referenced during the show:

• Protect Arizona Now
• Yes on 200
• No on 200
• National Council for La Raza

Proposition 200

Arizona voters will decide the fate of Proposition 200 on the November 2nd ballot.  On Wednesday's Here and Now we'll talk with Shirley Gunther of Think AZ about the measure that would deny public benefits to people in this country Illegally.  But isn't that already the case?  And how do you define public benefits?  We'll help you sort through the pros and cons of Proposition 200.

Please note: here is a link to the web address, www.thinkaz.org which will be referenced during the show.

You can make a comment using the link below:

Border Issues

According to a recent cover story in Time Magazine, sneaking into the U.S. over the border with Mexico is scandalously easy. In this hour of Here and Now, Terry Ward will talk with Don Barlett of Time Magazine about his story "Who Left the Door Open." We'll also hear points of view from people living along the U.S. Mexico Border. We'll also open the phones for your questions at 480-774-8200.

You can also post your comments online using the link below:

For reference during the discussion, here is a link to the Time Magazine article "Who Left the Door Open."