Statements about today's Supreme Court immigration law decision
The following are statements released from various individuals about today's Supreme Court decision on Arizona's immigration law:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
“The Supreme Court was right to strike down the vast majority of the Arizona law. With three out of the four provisions being struck down, the ruling shows that the Obama administration was right to challenge this law, which was not just ill-advised but also unconstitutional.
“I am greatly concerned that the provision putting American citizens in danger of being detained by police unless they carry their immigration papers at all times will lead to a system of racial profiling. This is a strong reminder that ultimately, the responsibility for fixing our nation’s broken immigration system lies with Congress. President Obama’s decision to defer deportation of young people brought here through no fault of their own was necessary precisely because Republicans have so far refused to work with Democrats on forging common-sense solutions to our immigration challenge that are fair, tough and practical. Immigration reform should continue securing our borders; punish unscrupulous employers who exploit immigrants and undercut American wages; pass the DREAM Act; and require the 11 million who are undocumented to register with the government, learn English, pay fines, pay taxes and go to the end of the line to legalize their status.
“Looking ahead to the immigration debate, it is disturbing that Mitt Romney called the unconstitutional Arizona law a ‘model’ for immigration reform. Laws that legalize discrimination are not compatible with our nation’s ideals and traditions of equal rights, and the idea that such an unconstitutional law should serve as a ‘model’ for national reform is far outside the American mainstream.”
Gov. Brian Sandoval
“While I have always supported Arizona's tenth amendment right to enact laws to address its unique concerns with public safety and have said all along the law is not needed in Nevada, I understand and respect the Supreme Court's application of the Supremacy Clause. This decision makes it clear that the President and Congress must come together and reform our immigration system.”
State Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford
“I'm pleased that the Supreme Court struck down parts of Arizona’s misguided anti-immigration law. But I’m disappointed they upheld the most discriminatory part of the law. The fact is our immigration system is completely broken and Congress needs to stop the petty politics and get to work passing comprehensive immigration reform.”
Stewart Bybee, Communications Director for Sen. Dean Heller
“States are frustrated with the federal government’s reluctance to enforce existing laws. Enforcing the laws, and improving the processing of immigration applications would go a long way towards fixing the current immigration system, and keeping states from acting on their own.”
U.S. Senate candidate Shelley Berkley
"While it’s heartening that the Supreme Court rejected several parts of Arizona’s radical immigration law, I am deeply disappointed they did not strike down the most discriminatory portion that will force even more people into the shadows. I have opposed this law from the beginning while my opponent, Senator Dean Heller, not only supports it, but wants to bring it here to Nevada. We cannot allow that to happen.
“Today’s decision is further evidence that we must pass comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders, cracks down on employers that knowingly hire undocumented immigrants, and provides a pathway to legal status for those that go to the back of the line, learn English, pay a fine and back taxes, and pass a criminal background check.
“Unfortunately, Washington Republicans like Senator Heller are continuing to block any progress on fixing our broken immigration system and passing commonsense legislation like the DREAM Act.”
Gov. Mitt Romney
“Today's decision underscores the need for a President who will lead on this critical issue and work in a bipartisan fashion to pursue a national immigration strategy. President Obama has failed to provide any leadership on immigration. This represents yet another broken promise by this President. I believe that each state has the duty--and the right--to secure our borders and preserve the rule of law, particularly when the federal government has failed to meet its responsibilities. As Candidate Obama, he promised to present an immigration plan during his first year in office. But 4 years later, we are still waiting.”
Natalie Foster, co-founder and CEO of Rebuild the Dream
"While we are encouraged that the Supreme Court decided to strike down many aspects of SB 1070, we are disappointed that it did not strike down a key provision that amounts to state-sponsored racial profiling. Families in Arizona and across our country continue to face un-American discrimination even as they work to build this country from the bottom up and fight under our flag as soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. This fight is long from over," said Natalie Foster, Co-founder and CEO of Rebuild the Dream and former Organizing for America staffer.
"Arizona's SB 1070 is a reprehensible law, and it is only one of many hate-filled laws bubbling up across our country. We will continue to stand and fight with Americans across the country who simply want to pursue the American dream. The day will come when SB 1070 -- and laws like it -- will be completely overturned. In an America which holds that there must be liberty and justice for all, there can be no other result."
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