WASHINGTON, DC . . . On June 25th, the Supreme Court upheld the provision in Arizona's immigration law allowing state and local police officers to check the immigration status of anyone they suspect could be in the country illegally during routine traffic stops. The Court struck down three other provisions.  

Following the Supreme Court's decision, Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) released the following statement:

"While I had hoped that Arizona's immigration law would be upheld in its entirety, I am pleased the Supreme Court supported state and local police officers authority to detect and prevent illegal immigrants from remaining in the U.S.

"In the absence of presidential leadership on enforcing immigration laws, states must have full ability to ensure immigration laws are obeyed. States and local law enforcement, particularly those located along the border, know the needs of their communities better than the federal government. They should be able to act in the best interest of the citizens they serve, especially those born in Texas and are long-term citizens of our state.

"As a co-sponsor of immigration bills that support the detection and prevention of drug traffickers, terrorists, and illegal immigrants from entering the U.S., I will continue to vote for legislation that keeps America's borders secure and respects the efforts made by the many immigrants who choose to enter our country legally each year."   

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