Has Arizona’s legislation targeting illegal immigration backfired? It has inspired protests around the country and has drawn objections from all sides for infringing on individual rights and implicitly encouraging profiling. It may soon be challenged by the U.S. Justice Department

But the law signed by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has one positive aspect; it has invigorated debate over the problem of illegal immigration, and the lack of a comprehensive federal solution.

The Arizona law makes it a criminal offense to be in the state without legal immigration status and it requires state and local officials to question individuals about their status if they suspect them of being illegal aliens. The new law will bring a new level of scrutiny to Hispanic communities, subjecting average people to investigation and diverting police attention from crime. Hispanics who are here legally face new restrictions ”“ they can be arrested for going out without their papers, or for being in the company of an illegal alien.

This deplorable law was enacted because several administrations and congressional leaders have shown little appetite for tackling the difficult political task of reforming the U.S. immigration system. Few are ready to address one of the fundamental issues to be solved: Providing a path to citizenship for those who crossed over illegally, but have become permanent members of U.S. communities.

Arizona’s remedy has been criticized not only by President Barack Obama and Democratic leaders, but by such staunch Republicans as Texas Gov. Rick Perry and political strategist Karl Rove. The law was protested around the country last weekend, with 50,000 rallying in Los Angeles and 20,000 marching in Dallas. Hundreds also marched in Portland. It has been denounced from pulpits and political podiums, and plaintiffs are lining up for the chance to challenge it in court.

This groundswell may convince Congress that federal reforms are needed. It may also reassure politicians that there is a constituency large enough to counterbalance those who loudly insist that deportation is the only answer to the U.S. problem with illegal immigration.

So when Arizona’s unfair and ill-advised law is eventually struck down or repealed, it may leave a respectable legacy: A greater political consensus on the need to get control of our southern border and establish a fair and workable system to deal with permanent residents who are here without legal status.