ACLJ and Members of Congress Ask Federal Court to Reject DOJ Lawsuit Challenging AZ Immigration Law

"The American taxpayer would be better served if the federal government concentrated its efforts on securing our borders.” - Jay Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2010— The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) is working with the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI) and 81 members of Congress-urging the federal court in Phoenix to deny a motion from the U.S. Department of Justice that would block Arizona's new immigration law. 

"It is very clear that Arizona's law regulating immigration is both sound and constitutional," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the ACLJ.  "What is equally clear is that the Obama Administration is overstepping its constitutional authority in its legal challenge of the Arizona law.  Arizona has a constitutional right to regulate immigration in conformance with federal law."

The amicus brief filed yesterday in response to the DOJ suit filed against Arizona earlier this month, explains that Congress has complete power over immigration law and that Arizona's S.B.1070 "does not interfere with U.S. foreign policy goals as prescribed by Congress" as the federal government asserts.

"The federal government's suit represents nothing more than a constitutional overreach and seeks to elevate the Executive Branch's discretionary power of enforcement to trump mandatory aspects of laws passed by Congress enabling the states to act on matters of immigration enforcement.  We're pleased so many members of Congress understand the separation of powers and exactly what's at stake here," said Sekulow.

The 81 members of the 111th Congress represented in the brief include Arizona Congressman Trent Franks and California Congressman Brian Bilbray, who assisted in generating Congressional participation in the brief.  For a full list of those who participated and to read the amicus brief click here. 

The ACLJ also has heard from thousands of people across the U.S. who have expressed support for the Arizona law and are calling on the federal government to protect and defend our borders.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.  The ACLJ is online at www.aclj.org.

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