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: JURIST - The Paper Chase

Lawsuits challenge Arizona immigration law

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

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[JURIST] Two lawsuits were filed Tuesday challenging Arizona's new immigration law, which makes it a crime to be an undocumented immigrant and requires police to question anyone whose immigration status appears suspect. Arizona police officer Martin Escobar filed suit in the US District Court for the District of Arizona, alleging that SB 1070 is unconstitutional and could hamper police investigations. A second suit was filed by the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders (CONLAMIC), which argues that the legislation is preempted by federal law. Also Thursday, several advocacy groups, including the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) formally announced their intention to challenge the bill. The bill, signed into law last week by Governor Jan Brewer, has caused intense controversy. Earlier this week, Mexican President Felipe Calderon strongly criticized Arizona's new immigration law, claiming that the measure opens the door to intolerance and hatred. US President Barack Obama has also criticized the law, calling for federal immigration reform. Under the law, it is designated a crime to be in the country illegally, and immigrants unable to verify their legal status could be arrested and jailed for six months and fined $2,500.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on April 29, 2010 (boomark / email).