ACLJ Says Federal Court Decision on Immigration Law Harms Arizona Citizens

“We believe the federal district court got it wrong.” - Jay Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2010— By blocking key provisions in the Arizona immigration law, Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) says a federal court has now made it "even more difficult for Arizona to protect its borders with Mexico."

The ACLJ, along with the Immigration Reform Law Institute, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. District Court in Phoenix on behalf of 81 members of Congress.  The brief supports Arizona's new immigration law, which is being challenged in federal court by the U.S. Department of Justice. 

"This is an extremely disappointing decision that further harms the citizens of Arizona," said Sekulow.  "It is unfortunate that this court blocked key portions of Arizona's immigration law and failed to permit it to take effect in its entirety.  We believe the federal district court got it wrong and in its complex ruling has made it even more difficult for Arizona to protect and defend its borders." 

The ACLJ brief, which urged the court to reject the DOJ's request for a preliminary injunction, explained that "Congress has plenary 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.

"We believe Arizona's law compliments federal law and remain hopeful that the appeals process will ultimately produce a decision that underscores the fact that Arizona has a constitutional right to protect its citizens and defend its borders.  This decision marks the beginning of a lengthy legal process that will have tremendous ramifications nationwide," said Sekulow.

You can read the amicus brief here.

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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