Justice Department Files Suit Against Arizona Over Immigration Law
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 4:31PMThe Justice Department filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Arizona and its Governor Jan Brewer in response to the state’s controversial immigration law.
Citing the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, the suit argues that Arizona’s legislation is invalid since it conflicts with federal law.
The state law, passed in April, grants law enforcement officials the authority to request proof of citizenship from those suspected of being in the country illegally. Critics have charged that it will ultimately lead to racial profiling.
The law’s defenders, including Governor Brewer, argue that the hardline legislation is simply a reaction to the federal government’s failure to effectively address border security.
In a statement released Tuesday, Attorney General Eric Holder acknowledged supporters’ complaint, but characterized the law’s repeal as a matter of national security.
“Arizonans are understandably frustrated with illegal immigration,”Holder said. “But diverting federal resources away from dangerous aliens such as terrorism suspects and aliens with criminal records will impact the entire country’s safety.”
The Arizona law, formerly titled SB 1070, goes into effect at the end of July.
Federal Judge Stalls Controversial AZ Immigration Law
By Brandon Kosters - Talk Radio News Service
U.S District Judge Susan Bolton has blocked the controversial provisions of the Arizona immigration law, S.B. 1070. Bolton filed a preliminary injunction against the sections of the law which allowed Arizona police officers to check citizens’ immigration status and required immigrants to carry proof of citizenship with them at all times.
She said that the law could easily lead to wrongful imprisonment of legal residents and that it called for police to perform tasks and exercise authority reserved for the federal government.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is expected to appeal Bolton’s ruling and the case is expected to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
Proponents of the law claim that action must be taken to mitigate the incredibly large number of illegal immigrants in Arizona and that the state is simply taking action that the federal government has declined to take.
Opponents of the bill have said the law leads to racial profiling and hurts tourism to the area, particularly from Mexico.
Outspoken critics of the law include President Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder and Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, a prospective Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Arizona.