The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) Commends The Supreme Court For Striking Majority Of Arizona S.B. 1070

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) today commended the decision by the Supreme Court to reject most of the critical portions of the controversial Arizona immigration law, S.B. 1070.

Although the justices rejected three of the four key provisions, section 2(B) of the law was allowed to stand while it is further defined in state courts. This provision requires police to check the immigration status of anyone they detain or arrest if they have "reasonable suspicion" that the person is in the country out of status. Despite the ruling, the NHCSL remains optimistic as the ruling "does not foreclose other preemption and constitutional challenges to the law" and that implementation of 2(B) is still subject to pending legal claims.

"I am glad that the recent Supreme Court recognized that states cannot take federal immigration laws into their own hands.  This ruling sends a message to Arizona, as well as Alabama, Georgia and other similar states, that have sought to unjustly target, frustrate and discriminate against the Latino community under the cover of law," said State Representative Minnie Gonzalez (CT), President of the NHCSL.  "This fight is far from over.  Clearly, none of these issues will be fully resolved until we have comprehensive immigration reform signed into law."

"While I am glad for portions of the ruling, I believe it is deplorable that the justices upheld a measure that legitimizes racial discrimination," said State Representative Catherine Miranda (AZ), Chair of the NHCSL Immigration Task Force.  "I think of the innocent American citizens and legal residents that are in danger of being detained by police unless they carry immigration papers, driver's licenses and passports with them at all times.  Our task as leaders of our community is to work with local jurisdictions and community based organizations to prevent and catalogue the abuses and civil rights violations that are likely to follow if the state enforces that provision."

SOURCE The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators