Supreme Court Overturns Arizona Immigration Law

The United States Supreme Court has ruled against a contentious immigration law passed by the state of Arizona. The court threw out the toughest parts of the law, saying that Arizona had interfered with congressional authority over America’s borders. The decision is a victory for those who wish to live in the United States without going through legal channels.

In a 5-3 decision, the justices voided a provision that made it a crime for an immigrant not to carry his or her federal registration documents. They also overturned a portion of the legislation that approved jail time for illegal immigrants who were seeking work in Arizona, and that granted power to state police to arrest immigrants suspected of crimes.

While striking down most of the law, the justices approved a provision requiring police to verify the immigration status of people they stop for other reasons. But the court said police officers are not allowed to make arrests for what it called “minor immigration charges.”

Opponents of the law hailed the decision as a victory. David Salgado, a Phoenix police officer and opponent of the immigration law, said, “It’s a big victory for myself, for the citizens of Phoenix, especially the Hispanic people, that this racist law was stopped.”

But other opponents of the law said their fight was not yet over and that they would redouble efforts to overthrow the last remaining part of the legislation. “This proves Arizona cannot criminalize immigrants,” said Mary Wilcox, a Maricopa County supervisor. “The wind is at our backs.” Wilcox said the final section of the law would be challenged and would fall: “Three down, one to go,” she said.

The Arizona decision arrives in the middle of a presidential campaign in which President Barack Obama has been courting Latino voters. Analysts believe the ruling will mobilize the president’s base, and rally Hispanic voters behind him. The president said that he was pleased that the high court threw out crucial sections of Arizona’s law, but was concerned about what the justices left intact.

To understand why America appeasing illegal immigrants is significant, read our article “Alien Invasion.”