Supreme Court takes up controversial Arizona immigration law


By , Associated Press

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    Leonida Martinez, left, from Phoenix, Ariz., and others, take part in a demonstration in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, on April 25, as the court questions Arizona's 'show me your papers' immigration law .

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Liberal and conservative justices reacted skeptically to the Obama administration's argument that the state exceeded its authority when it made the records check, and another provision allowing suspected illegalimmigrants to be arrested without a warrant, part of the Arizona law aimed at driving illegal immigrantselsewhere.

"You can see it's not selling very well," Justice Sonia Sotomayor told Obama administration Solicitor General Donald Verrilli.

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It was unclear what the court would do with other aspects of the law that have been put on hold by lower federal courts. The other blocked provisions make it a state crime for immigrants not to have immigrationregistration papers and for illegal immigrants to seek work or hold a job.

Gov. Jan Brewer, who signed the law two years ago, was on hand for the final argument of the court's term.

The latest high court clash between the administration and states turns on the extent of states' role inimmigration policy, which is essentially under the federal government's control.

Verrilli tried to persuade the justices that they should view the law in its entirety and inconsistent with federalimmigration policy. He said the records check would allow the state to "engage effectively in mass incarceration" of undocumented immigrants.


Outside the courthouse, more than 200 protesters gathered. The law's opponents made up a clear majority of the crowd, chanting and carrying signs like "Do I Look Illegal To You?" Some shouted "shame" at Brewer when she emerged from the building after the argument.


The administration challenged the law in federal court. Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Utah passed similar laws, parts of which also are on hold pending the high court's decision.

The court argument took place as presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney is trying to find a way to cut President Barack Obama's strong support among Latino voters. Romney was drawn to the right on issues likeimmigration as he fought off other Republicans in state GOP primary elections. On Monday, Romney signaled he was considering a wide range of immigration policies, including a proposal from Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., that would allow some of the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants a chance at visas to stay in the U.S.

A decision in the high-profile immigration case is expected in late June as both camps will be gearing up for the general election.

Arizona argues that with its 370-mile border with Mexico, it has paid a disproportionate price for illegalimmigration. It says its 2010 law is consistent with federal immigration policy.

The administration says the law, and Arizona's approach of maximum enforcement, conflict with a more nuanced federal immigration policy that seeks to balance national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, human rights and the rights of law-abiding citizens and immigrants.

Civil rights groups that back the administration say Arizona's and the other states' measures encourage racial profiling and ethnic stereotyping. California, New York and nine other states with significant immigrantpopulations support the Obama administration.




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