ACLJ Calls Arizona Immigration Lawsuit “Waste of Taxpayer Funds”

Federal Government Seeks to Punish State for Doing What It Failed to Do

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2010— When it comes to protecting its borders, Arizona has found itself between a rock and a hard place.  Or between the DOJ and the ACLU. 

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) said the federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) against Arizona's new immigration law is "flawed" and a "waste of taxpayer funds."  The ACLJ says it will file an amicus brief on behalf of U.S. citizens and members of Congress supporting Arizona's new law.

"This lawsuit by the Justice Department is flawed and a waste of taxpayer funds," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the ACLJ.  "It's troubling that the federal government, which has repeatedly failed to secure our nation's borders, is now attempting to punish the state of Arizona for doing just that.  Instead of spending taxpayer funds to challenge Arizona's constitutional right to protect its borders and its citizens, the Obama Administration should secure Arizona's borders and the borders of other states.  Arizona clearly has the constitutional authority to protect and defend its borders.  The Arizona law is both sound and constitutional and we will be filing an amicus brief in support of the law representing thousands of U.S. citizens and members of Congress."

The ACLJ is also planning to file an amicus brief supporting the Arizona law in a legal challenge by the ACLU.  And, the ACLJ will file an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of a 2007 law enacted by Arizona - a case that will be heard next term by the high court.

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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