Hoyer Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Arizona Immigration Law

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement after the Supreme Court's ruling on the Arizona immigration law:

“I am pleased that the decision announced by the Supreme Court struck down the bulk of Arizona’s immigration law.  It is a clear sign that changes to the way we approach undocumented immigrants must take place at the federal level.  Democrats are committed to comprehensive immigration reform, and we will continue to propose solutions that reflect our need for secure borders and the reality that millions of people, including many children who were brought here through no fault of their own, have been living and working in our country for years. 

“I remain concerned by the section of the Arizona law that was upheld today, and its practical implications.  Judging people on the basis of race or ethnicity goes against our nation’s most fundamental values of equality and justice for all.  Democrats will continue to watch with great interest as cases concerning the constitutionality of that provision make their way through the courts, and until that happens, we expect our legal system to ensure that it is applied in a completely non-discriminatory fashion.  Democrats will continue standing up for the civil liberties of all Americans and for the pursuit of comprehensive immigration reform, and I call on Republicans to work with us toward both ends.”