TODAY, THE SUPREME COURT HEARD oral arguments in the landmark civil rights case Arizona v. United States, the federal government’s challenge to SB 1070, Arizona’s racial profiling law. The only issue before the court was whether the federal government has the exclusive authority to regulate immigration enforcement.
see also NYTimes report: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/26/us/rallies-as-supreme-court-discusses-arizona-immigration-law.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20120426
As the Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday on an Arizona law on police questioning of immigration status, protests against the law were held outside.
The questions the justices asked clearly indicated that they understand the complexity of immigration law. However, we all know that the issues before the Court extend beyond the Constitution. SB 1070—and laws like it—will have dramatic consequences for immigrants, their
families, and anyone who might be perceived to be an immigrant. The crowds that gathered outside the courtroom today reflect our increasingly diverse country. Immigrant families and allies of all colors joined together to state that hateful laws that divide our communities have no place in American society.
The legal battle on SB 1070 is far from over. The National Immigration Law Center’s challenge to SB 1070 and similar laws in Utah, Indiana, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina will go on regardless of the outcome of the case heard today. We will continue to fight for the rights of our plaintiffs to live free from discrimination and fear.
Thank you for your tireless efforts to defend and advance the rights of low-income immigrants and their families. Now, more than ever, we must come together to organize, advocate, and litigate to ensure that we have an inclusive society that respects fairness and equality for all.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>This week, all eyes will once again be on SB 1070.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments on the Arizona law and will soon decide whether to strike it down forever, or open the door to Arizona laws across the country.
Exactly two years ago today, Governor Jan Brewer signed Arizona’s now-infamous “show me your papers” anti-immigrant legislation — SB 1070 — into law.
SB 1070 is an attempt to purge the state of Latino immigrants. Fortunately, most parts of the law have been blocked by lower courts. Nonetheless, other states, like Alabama, followed suit crafting laws that go even further. Now it’s up to the Supreme Court to decide whether or not to legalize discrimination and harassment.
It’s hard to overstate the magnitude of this moment for the civil and human rights of immigrants in America as well as of millions of Latinos, Asians, and other minorities. And, yet, many of our friends and relatives don’t know this case is happening, let alone how widespread its impact will be.
If the Court sides with Arizona, it will be nothing short of devastating. It would clear a path for Arizona to start enforcing the worst aspects of its law, and for states across the country to pass their own Arizona and Alabama copycat laws. It would legalize racial profiling in order to pursue an ugly strategy of mass expulsion.
We fought back in Arizona. We’re still fighting back in Alabama. But the future of these bills — and all copycat bills in the future — will be decided by the Supreme Court. And the oral argument will be heard Wednesday, April 25th.
We need your help. On Wednesday, we need to be prepared to spread the truth about the dangers of laws like SB 1070 and HB 56. Help us get the word out on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Click here to join our social media rapid response team.
(from America’s Voice)
Religious For Immigration Reform Evening Prayer / Oración
Tuesday, April 24th, 7PM
St. Vincent DePaul Chapel, Cardinal Rigali Center — 20 Archbishop May Dr.
Join the Religious for Immigration Reform (RFIR) and the Office of Hispanic Ministry for an evening prayer of solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters.
Let us Pray… May the wisdom of God guide the Supreme Court on its decision on the constitutionality of the Arizona bill. And may we continue to be a nation of great hospitality and generosity.
Acompaña a los Religiosos por la Reforma Migratoria y a la Oficina de Ministerio Hispano en su oración en solidaridad con nuestros hermanos y hermanas inmigrantes.
Oremos… Que la sabiduría de Dios guie a la Corte Suprema en su decisión sobre la constitucionalidad de la propuesta legal de Arizona. Y que nosotros continuemos siendo una nación de gran hospitalidad y generosidad.