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Court Upholds Tough Ariz. Immigration Law

2012

The Supreme Court unanimously upholds the centerpiece of Arizona’s strict immigration law but strikes down other provisions. The heart of the law, known as the “show me your papers” provision, is affirmed. It requires state law enforcement officials to check the immigration status of individuals who are stopped or arrested if the officials have reason to suspect they are in the U.S. illegally. The majority opinion rejects provisions that would have penalized illegal immigrants for activities such as seeking work. The Court says this provision and others in the law interferes with the federal government’s role in setting immigration policy.