“Show Your Papers”: More Legal Challenges to Come for S.B. 1070?

By Deb Courson Smith, Public News Service – CA

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – One decision is on the books, and there’s talk already about future challenges concerning Arizona’s immigration law. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down most of the law, but upheld the section that allows local authorities to check immigration status if they suspect a person is in the country illegally.

California is among the states that had been watching the legal test, with Amy Gottlieb, director of the American Friends Service Committee Immigrant Rights Program, claiming the court ruling implicitly endorses racial profiling, something her group is against.

“There’s very clear concern across the board about racial profiling. People will be asked their status because of the color of their skin and/or their accent.”

AFSC had signed an amicus brief, stating that Arizona’s law violated the U.S. Constitution.

Gottlieb says she expects several states to work on similar legislation, and she also expects more legal challenges.

“There’s much conversation now about whether civil-rights challenges will be brought, and I think that civil-rights challenges will have to be brought.”

She adds that the American Friends Service Committee is also focusing on education around immigrant issues, promoting respect of civil rights and human rights.

Debbie Courson Smith is the Public News Service managing editor with extensive background in both traditional and multi-platform delivery of news and information.