NEW: Supreme Court Strikes Down Majority of Arizona Immigration Law
Monday, June 25, 2012
The U.S. Supreme Court today struck down key portions of Arizona’s illegal immigration law, but upheld a provision that allows law enforcement to stop and retain immigrants they believe to be in the country illegally.
The ruling limits the role states can play when dealing with illegal immigrants and requires law enforcement to check with the feds before detaining immigrants. The ruling also shot a down a provision that made it a state law for undocumented individuals to carry their documents at all times.
You can read the entire decision here.
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Senator Jack Reed released the following statement:
“Arizona’s law was rightfully challenged by the President and justly ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. It ran counter to a rational immigration system. If it had stood, Arizona’s law could have eroded the civil rights of all U.S. citizens.
“The one controversial provision that was tentatively upheld is likely to be reviewed by the Court in the future because it could invite racial and ethnic profiling.
“Today’s decision is a clear sign that Congress needs to pass comprehensive immigration reform that is tough but fair and creates a path for citizenship for those who meet rigorous conditions. Opponents of immigration reform try to obscure their role in creating this problem. Now, instead of blocking progress and preventing debate, they need to get serious about working together toward a balanced solution.”
Congressman David Cicilline released the following statement:
"Today, the Supreme Court ruled that the State of Arizona overstepped its authority to regulate immigration by enacting S.B. 1070. Congress has waited long enough to act on comprehensive immigration reform, and today's decision by the Court reinforces that our nation needs one clear immigration policy that applies to every state and territory. I join my colleagues in urging the Republican leadership in the House to address this issue as quickly as possible."
Rhode Islanders For Immigration Law Enforcement (RIILE) President Terry Gorman offered the following comment:
"1) RIILE is thrilled that Az law enforcement will be allowed to do their job when making legitimate apprehensions.
"2) All three of the laws remaining requirements, require immigrants to carry their papers, permits for illegal aliens to work and arresting illegal aliens suspected of deportable crimes are currently Federal Laws which the Federal government almost totally disregards so we don't understand that part of the SCOTUS ruling. I understand their was some disagreement amongst the Justices. Maybe they should have ruled that the Federal Government MUST enforce our current Immigration laws and this problem would be resolved."
