Arizona's immigration law: Is it dead?
A judge blocks controversial parts of Arizona's immigration crackdown a day before they were to take effect — but some commentators say the fight has just begun
In what immigrant advocates call a major victory, a federal judge blocked the most controversial parts of Arizona's hardline immigration law hours before they were to take effect. Judge Susan Bolton ruled on Wednesday that certain "unconstitutional" provisions undermined federal authority, while other aspects of the legislation — including the requirement that Arizona police check the papers of those they suspect to be illegal immigrants — would have inadvertently "swept up" legal immigrants. Will Bolton's decision effectively kill the law, or is this just a speed bump? (Watch a CNN report about the Arizona ruling)
The worst parts of the law are history: This isn't an "unequivocal victory," says John Nichols at The Nation, since parts of the law are being implemented, and they'll be felt. But Judge Bolton did something the law's defenders neglected to do — namely, read the Constitution, which clearly states that the federal government, not Arizona, is in charge of immigration policy. The kind of racial profiling the state hoped to enact is "an affront" to this country's founding principles, and was doomed from the start.
"Key provisions of Arizona immigration law blocked by federal judge"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Arizona's crackdown is still on: Judge Bolton's ruling won't keep Arizona authorities from driving out illegal immigrants, says Jeff Biggers at The Huffington Post. "Publicity hound" Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, has been making "costly sweeps" of his turf for months, leading to the "deportation or forced departure of over 26,000 immigrants," and Arpaio claims he's not about to stop. "The battle over Arizona's immigration crisis has hardly come to a screeching halt."
"Darkness at noon in Arizona: Delayed, but not over"
This ruling will backfire on illegal immigrants and Democrats: "The gleeful Left may want to put away the party hats," says Andy McCarthy at National Review. Judge Bolton's decision will be appealed, and the Supreme Court will have the final say. Meanwhile, this ruling will only fuel anger against President Obama and other Democrats who oppose Arizona's law. Americans are essentially being told "that if they want the immigration laws enforced," they'll have to elect a new president and a new Congress, and the majority who support Arizona will be happy to oblige.
"Arizona immigration decision"
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 ways to help the environment while on vacation
The Week Recommends An afternoon of planting trees could be the best part of your trip
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Doctors are taking on dental duties in low-income areas
Under the radar Physicians are biting into the dentistry industry
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Instagram hopes that blurring nudity in messages will make teens safer
The Explainer The option will be turned on by default for users under 18
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Arizona court reinstates 1864 abortion ban
Speed Read The law makes all abortions illegal in the state except to save the mother's life
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump, billions richer, is selling Bibles
Speed Read The former president is hawking a $60 "God Bless the USA Bible"
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The debate about Biden's age and mental fitness
In Depth Some critics argue Biden is too old to run again. Does the argument have merit?
By Grayson Quay Published
-
How would a second Trump presidency affect Britain?
Today's Big Question Re-election of Republican frontrunner could threaten UK security, warns former head of secret service
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Rwanda plan is less a deterrent and more a bluff'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By The Week UK Published
-
Henry Kissinger dies aged 100: a complicated legacy?
Talking Point Top US diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize winner remembered as both foreign policy genius and war criminal
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Last updated
-
Trump’s rhetoric: a shift to 'straight-up Nazi talk'
Why everyone's talking about Would-be president's sinister language is backed by an incendiary policy agenda, say commentators
By The Week UK Published
-
More covfefe: is the world ready for a second Donald Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question Republican's re-election would be a 'nightmare' scenario for Europe, Ukraine and the West
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published