Smith: Arizona Law Should Be Upheld

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today praised the decision by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to continue to defend the state’s immigration enforcement law (SB 1070) by filing an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Chairman Smith:  “I support the decision of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to appeal to the Supreme Court in the case against SB 1070, Arizona’s immigration enforcement law. The Constitution gives Congress the authority and responsibility to establish a uniform immigration policy for the nation.  However, if Congress does not preempt states from enacting their own immigration laws, they can assist with federal enforcement and pass laws that are not inconsistent with federal law. 

“That’s precisely what Arizona has done.  Following an overwhelming public outcry after the murder of an Arizona rancher on his own property by an individual believed to be an illegal immigrant, the state government enacted strong policies to ensure the full enforcement of immigration laws and protection of Arizona citizens.  Contrary to claims by the Obama administration, the Arizona immigration law doesn’t interfere with federal law, it mirrors it.  Arizona’s efforts compliment federal law and ensure the full enforcement of immigration laws in the state.

“Arizonans are no different from other Americans—they want to see our nation’s immigration laws enforced.  In fact, nearly 250 new immigration laws were enacted in 40 states across the country this year alone. Americans are rightly concerned about the jobs that illegal immigrants take from citizens and legal immigrants; about their community’s safety; and about the substantial costs of illegal immigration to taxpayers. 

 
“Governor Brewer and the Arizona legislature have acted in the best interests of their citizens.  I hope the Supreme Court will agree to hear the case and stand by the inherent right of Arizona--and all states--to enforce immigration laws when not prohibited by Congress or the Constitution.”