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LULAC Encouraged by Supreme Court’s Decision Striking Down Key Provisions of Arizona Law S.B.107

June 25, 2012

Contact: Contact: Paloma Zuleta
PZuleta@LULAC.org
(202) 812-4477 (cell)
(202) 833-6130ext.103

Washington, DC –Today, the United States Supreme Court held that 3 of the 4 provisions of Arizona’s notorious S.B. 1070 law are preempted by federal immigration law. The Supreme Court held that states do not have the authority to establish and regulate state enforcement regarding the treatment of the immigrant community.

“We are encouraged by today’s decision and it is a major court victory for immigrant communities,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran. “We remain committed to our legal challenge against the ‘papers please’ provision that was left standing by the court which requires police to check the immigration status of anyone they detain if they ‘think’ the person might be undocumented.”

Specific concern is the portion of the Supreme Court ruling that permits law enforcement in Arizona to check the immigration status of individuals while enforcing other laws if reasonable suspicion exists that the person is in the United States illegally. Presently, LULAC and MALDEF have cases pending in federal district court that focus on racial profiling. We believe that this is the remaining key element subject to abuse by law enforcement and we will continue to fight for fair enforcement of the laws.

It is also important to remember that during oral arguments, the Supreme Court acknowledged the need for comprehensive immigration reform and we hope this decision helps spur Congress to meet this need by passing a much needed legislation.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org.