Dierks Bentley photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

One of the news stories that’s likely to stay in the headlines through much of the summer is an Arizona law that has the state cracking down on illegal immigration. The federal government has sued the state over the issue, which has Arizona native Dierks Bentley feeling like many Americans feel about a lot of topics: caught in the middle.

The Arizona law would require everyone to carry proof that they’re in the U.S. legally. It’s a controversial piece of legislation on a subject that gets people at both ends of the spectrum fired up.

Dierks tries to stay away from politics, and this issue demonstrates why. He’s known native Mexicans who were excellent, dedicated workers that contributed to his home state’s economy. But he also recognizes they cost taxpayers money when they make use of government programs.

“I understand that there’s resources that are being used up that were not going into the system to pay for the hospitals, but at the same time, it’s a pretty harsh way to deal with the situation,” he told CNN. “I’m hoping a real policy will come out that everyone can kind of be happy with, but I think it’s a pretty hardcore, pretty extreme way to approach the situation.”

An extreme situation doesn’t really fit with Dierks’ personality. Much of his life is spent touring Middle America, and the center is exactly where he typically finds himself. His current album, Up On The Ridge, shows the acoustic, bluegrass-driven side of his musical personality, but his concerts have often demonstrated a hard-rockin’ side. His tastes are wide but clearly grounded somewhere in the middle. Just like his social view.

“I try to find a middle ground in everything I do,” he said. “You watch TV, and there’s a left and a right and nothing in the middle. But I’ve toured the country. I’ve been touring for the last seven years. I hang out with folks every day in my Meet ‘n’ Greet. I meet a hundred people before the show, or I’m at a bar afterward hanging out, talking to regular folks all the time. I find there’s much more of a sense of common ground than you perceive if you just watch the different news channels. There really is a center, and I think in Arizona, they need to find that center.”

Dierks will be centered between the East and West Coasts Saturday when he headlines the Hodag Country Festival in Rhinelander, Wis. He shares the bill that day with Neal McCoy, Jack Ingram, Gloriana and Steel Magnolia. Among others rolling out sets at the four-day event, beginning Thursday, are Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Billy Currington, Gary Allan and Eric Church.

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