The concept of racial profiling has been given many different definitions. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, racial profiling refers to “the discriminatory practice by law enforcement of targeting individuals suspected of a crime based on the individual's race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin.” Every day people are victims of racial profiling. Some people argue that racial profiling is a necessary and practical form of law enforcement. Others deny its entire existence. Unfortunately, racial profiling exists and plagues our nation. Unfortunately, completely stopping racial profiling is very difficult. Police are people and will fall prey to stereotypes and assumptions. That said, we must recognize the fact that racial profiling is unconstitutional. It violates the 4th Amendment which guarantees the right to be safe from unreasonable searches and seizures without probable cause, and the 14th Amendment which requires that all citizens be treated equally before the law. The practice of racial profiling also contradicts one of the most well-known phrases in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold it to be self-evident the truth that all men are created equal.” Racial profiling has its roots in the old technique of criminal profiling. Criminal profiling became popular in the mid-20th century when it was successfully used by a psychiatrist to find a serial bomber. Then, in the 1960s and 1970s, after a wave of plane hijackings or “skyjackings,” experts used similar techniques to profile skyjackers. They taught airline staff to look for a list of 25 different characteristics; none who were tied to a particular race or ethnic group. Unfortunately, the pr...... middle of paper ...... created a law that makes it a state crime to be in the state illegally, allows police to arrest or fine a person for not providing identification U.S. identity, and allows police to detain anyone they suspect is an illegal alien. While supporters argue the law is necessary, critics believe the new law will open the door to racial profiling. And if that's true, Arizona's 1.7 million residents of Hispanic or Latino origin are potential victims. Racial profiling not only exists today, it thrives. It is used daily by law enforcement even though it is unfair and unconstitutional. Not only does it violate the fundamental principles of this country, but it can be dangerous. It threatens our national security, and on a deeper level, racial profiling is a threat to racial equality, something the people of the United States have fought for.