Arizona wasn't always known for its harsh policies against illegal immigration, say Anna Gorman and Nicholas Riccardi in the Los Angeles Times. Just six years ago, "this border state was among the nation's most welcoming of illegal immigrants." Its two Republicans senators were strong advocates for legalizing millions of illegal residents across the country, and then-governor Janet Napolitano "boasted of her warm relationships" with leaders across the border in Mexico. Now Gov. Jan Brewer is fighting to keep courts from overturning a state law designed to drive out illegal immigrants, Sens. Jon Kyl and John McCain have changed their minds about legalizing undocumented immigrants, and "Mexican governors refuse to set foot on Arizona soil." How did Arizona change so quickly? Here, an excerpt:
"The perfect storm occurred," said Mesa Mayor Scott Smith. "There was a combination of demographic changes, the introduction of a criminal element that didn't used to be here and the drop in the economy, which has put everyone on edge"....
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