SB 1070
From a psychological perspective, SB 1070 is particularly troubling because it promotes destructive, fear-driven tendencies to scapegoat, dehumanize and exploit those who are deemed outsiders. It makes all Latinos, including U.S. citizens of hispanic backgrounds, more likely victims of racist stereotyping, unequal treatment and open derision.
Although supporters of SB 1070 argue that the law does not allow racial profiling, patterns are already evident in policing across the nation, despite departmental policies prohibiting its use. This suggests that, regardless of how the law is worded, it will increase the likelihood that Arizona police officers will view those who are Latino-looking with suspicion. While some undocumented persons will be discovered and deported, a much greater number of individuals, many of whom are U.S. Citizens, are likely to be inconvenienced, humiliated, and harassed. In short, the adverse impact of this enforcement escalation will be far-reaching. The harmful effects felt by parents and children who, while being further marginalized in their communities and schools, will be subjected to heightened levels of anxiety, depression and other forms of psychological distress due to understandable fears of sudden joblessness, deportation, and family separation.
The U.S. appetite for drugs and U.S. drug policy have contributed to ruthless and intimidating violence, particularly south of the border. The U.S. export of firearms to Mexico has helped create regions where atrocities are committed daily, and where bystanders are at mortal risk from the stray bullets of army and drug cartels. Clearly, the government of Mexico also bears substantial blame for these dire circumstances.
Important realities are overlooked when an 'us versus them' mentality takes hold. In this case, undocumented immigrants from Mexico are routinely blamed for unemployment and for placing an undue burden on schools, health-care facilities and other social services.
Psychologists for Social Reform believe just and effective long-term immigration policies need to address the psychological, political, and economic issues described here, duly recognizing the daunting nature of immigrants' experiences and challenges, as well as their contributions to our communities.
Undocumented immigrants from Mexico most often leave their homes to gain some measure of economic and physical security for themselves and their family. In so doing, they are confronted by a range of physical and psychological adversities. They endure the pernicious effects of poverty and inequality, inadequacy of education and separation from family members, friends, and the places where they were born and raised. They struggle with fear and anxiety surrounding a perilous crossing of national borders, including exploitation and violence. They often face inadequate housing and healthcare. They cannot protest unjust and dangerous workplace practices for fear of firing and deportation. The risk of separation from family members through deportation always looms. Yet undocumented immigrants provide much needed labor, especially in the agricultural and service industries. Their spending fuels local economic growth.
In sum, holding undocumented immigrants exclusively responsible for a complex situation to which many parties have contributed poses a regrettable obstacle to collective problem-solving, which is possible only when no group is demonized. Regardless of intent, partial and short-sighted solutions such as Arizona's SB 1070 carry the potential to contribute to a humanitarian disaster while undermining the United States' commitment as a democratic nation to human rights. Therefore, Psychologists for Social Responsibility strongly opposes this new law from both psychological and social justice perspectives. We call for its immediate reconsideration in order to address its profound shortcomings.
Psychology Today
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