Judge Upholds Arizona "Show Me Your Papers" Provision for SB1070; Move Soon to Be Challenged By the Hispanic Community

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton upheld the controversial “show me your papers” provision of Arizona’s SB1070 on Tuesday. According to the Arizona Daily Sun, the judge’s decision dissolved an injunction she issued over two years ago blocking the state from enforcing provisions of law.

In June, the Supreme Court ruled that most aspects of the controversial new law be tossed out, CNN reported.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed the provision, which allows police to question individuals that have been stopped for other violations if there is reason to believe they are undocumented, into law in 2010. Some have argued that the provision allows for racial discrimination.

According to the Arizona Daily Sun, Brewer said that she had faith that law enforcement would follow the law “fairly and impartially.” Brewer added, “They bring their training and experience to this important task, as well as a solemn commitment to service the public, protecting our citizens and upholding the law. That means all of our laws, including those barring racial profiling or discrimination.”

The Justice Department reported that Arizona’s population of two million Latinos includes an estimated 400,000 illegal immigrants, CNN reported. About 60 to 70 percent of deportations involve Mexican immigrants, the Justice Department added. However, CNN reported that the Pew Hispanic Center stated that Mexican immigration to the U.S. has come to a standstill.

Tuesday’s ruling on the controversial provision is not likely to remain unchallenged. CNN reported that the American Civil Liberties Union has said it is prepared to continue challenging the law. Omar Jadwat, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, told the Arizona Daily Star that the provision “has opened the door to racial profiling, wrongful detentions and arrests, putting everyone’s civil rights at risk.”

Several states have passed laws meant to curb illegal immigrants, CNN reported. Among those that have similar laws under challenge are: Georgia, Alabama, Utah, Indiana and South Carolina.