Illegal Immigration: Another Arizona Law Struck Down By Federal Government

An Arizona law aimed at stopping illegal immigration was struck down this week, the latest battle between the state and federal government regarding enforcement of the state’s border.

A judge ruled on Friday that the state’s 2005 law regarding immigrant smuggling came into conflict with the federal government’s immigration powers.

The ruling was the latest blow to the landmark 2010 immigration law passed in Arizona, one of the nation’s strictest pieces of legislation against illegal immigration. The Obama administration has struck down several parts of the law, claiming that it went too far in granting police power to check people’s immigration status.

Though the fight against illegal immigration is popular with many residents, the Arizona law struck down this week proves that the federal government trumps all, said one legal expert.

“There may be some broad sympathy within a constituency for these laws, but that constituency isn’t enough to overcome the problems those laws pose,” Peter Spiro, a Temple University law professor who specializes in immigration law.

Republicans have already spoken out against the federal government regarding the latest Arizona law struck down.

“It basically shows this administration has no intention to enforce its own laws or let the state enforce its laws,” said Jonathan Paton, a former Republican lawmaker from Tucson.

The fight over the border has become a hotly political issue, with some accusing Republicans of using the issue to drive a wedge with voters. Some Democratic strategists and lawmakers have also accused Republicans of using hyperbole to scare voters, including debunked reports that ISIS members were trying to cross the unsecured border into the United States.

Many of the Arizona laws struck down have regarded Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a stringent illegal immigration opponent who has been accused of racially profiling Latinos with policies and traffic patrols.

This week’s Arizona law struck down comes after the federal government ruled against other measures regarding illegal immigration. Earlier this year, a federal appeals court ruled that the state cannot withhold bail from immigrants who are in the country illegally.