The US Supreme Court has rejected the Arizona immigration law that sought to deter illegal immigration, however, it let a controversial provision stand that lets police check a person’s immigration status while enforcing other laws.
US Supreme Court Rejects Arizona Immigration Law – photo by colorlines.com
According to CNN, the Supreme Court, which was split 5-3 on this decision, upheld the authority of the federal government to set immigration policy and laws. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the majority opinion, “The national government has significant power to regulate immigration. Arizona may have understandable frustrations with the problems caused by illegal immigration while that process continues, but the state may not pursue policies that undermined federal law.”
While the majority of the Arizona Immigration law was thrown out, in a controversial move, the justices allowed a part of the bill that lets police check a person’s immigration status while enforcing other laws if reasonable suspicion exists that the person is in the United States illegally.
Arizona Govenor Jan Brewer is declaring the Supreme Courts decision as a victory, stating that the heart of the law can now be implemented as it abides by the US constitution, “While we are grateful for this legal victory, today is an opportunity to reflect on our journey and focus upon the true task ahead: the implementation and enforcement of this law in an even-handed manner that lives up to our highest ideals as American citizens. Law enforcement will be held accountable should this statute be misused in a fashion that violates an individual’s civil rights.”
The Obama administration also seems to be content with the result of the Supreme Courts decision, as an official stated:
”It strikes down most provisions, recognizes the federal government’s supremacy in immigration law and enforcement, and narrows the reading of section 2, basically saying that state and local law enforcement cannot do any more than they already are allowed to do under federal statute in regards to requesting immigration status verification from the federal government.”
Update Arizona Immigration Law:
Sherrif Joe said the most important part of the Law has been upheld. “It shows cops can ask someone if they’re here illegally when you stop them for another crime,” Mr. Arpaio said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. He added, however, that “you like to get everything.” Sheriff Arpaio calls himself the “toughest Sheriff in the Nation” appears to be dead set on continuing his states controversial law.
US Supreme Court Rejects Arizona Immigration Law.
