SB 1070 Decision Sets Stage for Appeal

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Jul 28, 2010, 06:16 ET

WASHINGTON, July 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) termed Wednesday's ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton a step forward. Although the court enjoined important provisions of the law, it also cleared the way for numerous provisions of SB 1070 to take effect Thursday. Judge Bolton flatly rejecting the Obama administration's contention that immigration enforcement is exclusively a federal matter. Now, Arizonans can move forward and focus their efforts on the remaining core issues.

FAIR also acknowledged the SB 1070 decision is disappointing. "The sad reality of Judge Bolton's ruling is that law-abiding Arizonans will have to continue to endure the effects of the Obama administration's refusal to enforce U.S. immigration laws," noted Dan Stein, president of FAIR. "Arizonans will continue to face billions of dollars in costs, overburdened schools and hospitals, and violent crime that is associated with the federal government's non-enforcement policy.

"The public frustration over the administration's non-enforcement policy, both in Arizona and nationwide, will only increase as a consequence of today's ruling," Stein continued. "The American people overwhelmingly support S.B. 1070, and political pressure to vigorously enforce immigration laws is likely to grow as a result of today's ruling."

While attention is focused on those provisions enjoined in Judge Bolton's ruling, FAIR notes that the ruling left intact provisions dealing with sanctuary cities, employment of illegal aliens, human smuggling, and the right of citizens to take legal action against localities that impede immigration enforcement.

FAIR remains confident that the provisions of S.B. 1070 blocked by Judge Bolton will be vigorously fought at the court of appeals and will ultimately be upheld. "Judge Bolton concedes that local governments have an important role to play in immigration enforcement. The opinion of one unelected federal judge can, unfortunately, delay the implementation of protections urgently needed by Arizonans, but she will not have the final word," Stein concluded.

About FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 250,000 members nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

SOURCE FAIR