Campus briefs
Arizona governor speaks on immigration
Arizona Governor and Santa Clara alumna Janet Napolitano '79 spoke on campus last Thursday evening about the future of immigration, acknowledging individual frustrations and emphasizing the need for comprehensive reform in Washington.
Napolitano discussed the national implications of illegal immigration, citing the need for a temporary worker program, an overhaul of the visa application process and a plan to deal with the nearly 12 million illegal immigrants already in the country.
She also called for investments in new border technologies rather than building bigger fences.
"Show me a 50-foot wall and I'll show you a 51-foot ladder," the governor quipped during her remarks.
Arizona's expansive southern border with Mexico makes the state a hotbed for immigration controversy. Sheriff Joe Arpaio, whose jurisdiction includes the greater-Phoenix area, has made national headlines in recent weeks for conducting immigration sweeps in neighborhoods with heavy minority populations.
The democratic governor raised some eyebrows when she signed an "employer sanctions" law last summer that punishes Arizona businesses for knowingly hiring illegal immigrants. Napolitano felt economics was key to understanding the forces behind illegal immigration.
"Employer sanctions in Arizona shuts down the demand. Now we need to address the supply side in Mexico," she said.
Although no enforcement actions have been carried out since the law took effect January 1 of this year, Napolitano said she hopes it will deter businesses from employing illegal labor.
Napolitano vetoed a bill this week that would have cross-trained police officers with immigration and law enforcement, citing fiscal concerns.
A question and answer session followed the governor's brief remarks, where audience members asked her opinions concerning immigration rhetoric, Arizona's relationship with Mexico and the upcoming presidential election.
While Napolitano noted that no legislation is perfect, she was confident that a new administration of either party would open up a window for real immigration reform. She hopes that humanizing the issue will prompt action.
"It's important to articulate what real impacts are on real people," said Napolitano
The former U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona blamed the federal government for failing to offset the state costs incurred by illegal immigrants who end up in the judicial system.
As Arizona's attorney general from 1998-2002, Napolitano sent a $300M tab to then-Attorney General Alberto Gonzales for costs including services like police enforcement and incarceration. A check never came in the mail.
She continued periodically billing the government, even after winning the governor's office in 2002. The latest request amounted to nearly $500M. Napolitano is intent on pushing federal officials for the refund, but doesn't expect much until lawmakers get serious about reform.
When asked how she got from Swig Hall to the governor's office, Napolitano joked that her first move was from Swig to Campisi Hall.
She credited her success to educational experiences at Santa Clara, where she received a bachelor's degree in political science, and the University of Virginia, where she attended law school.
The event, "Immigration: Where Do We Go From Here?" was co-hosted by the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics and the Commonwealth Club Silicon Valley. Nearly 300 Santa Clara students and faculty attended. A recording of the event was made for broadcast on National Public Radio.
Earthquakes to play in Buck Shaw Stadium
San Jose's major league soccer squad, the Earthquakes, will play their first game at Santa Clara this Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m.
Charlie Arolla, director of Campus Safety, emailed the Santa Clara community Wednesday, to state that the parking garage, Leavey lot, Accolti Way F spaces, Loyola Hall lot and Third Mission lot will all be used for the game. All other lots are open for parking, however all vehicles must display a parking permit.
Santa Clara will host the team for their 2008 and 2009 seasons.
From staff reports. E-mail news@thesantaclara.com