The U.S. Supreme Court released today a split decision in the constitutionality of Arizona’s controversial immigration law.
In the decision, the Court struck down three provisions of the Arizona Law, SB 1070, that were previously challenged on the grounds that they invaded federal privileges. Two of the provisions made it a crime for undocumented immigrants to be present and seek employment in Arizona. A third provision made it possible for police officers to make warrantless arrests of anyone they had probable cause to believe had committed a deportable offense.
“The history of the United States is in part made of the stories, talents and lasting contributions of those who crossed oceans and deserts to come here,” said Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy while writing for the majority opinion.
The most controversial part of the law, which has been dubbed “check your papers” provision, was upheld. This provision requires states and local police to perform roadside immigration checks if a reasonable suspicion exists that someone is in the country undocumented.
Although the Court did uphold the controversial provision, they indicated it could face further future scrutiny.
“Arizona may have understandable frustrations with the problems caused by illegal immigration while that process continues, but the State may not pursue policies that undermine federal law,” said Justice Kennedy in the majority opinion.
Recent Comments