The Justice Department today sued over Arizona’s immigrant shakedown law.

The Justice Department lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Phoenix, argues that the new state law violates the U.S. Constitution by usurping federal authority over immigration policy, traditionally the jurisdiction of the federal government.

“Arizonans are understandably frustrated with illegal immigration, and the federal government has a responsibility to comprehensively address those concerns,” Attorney General Holder said in a statement yesterday. “But diverting federal resources away from dangerous aliens such as terrorism suspects and aliens with criminal records will impact the entire country’s safety.

“Setting immigration policy and enforcing immigration laws is a national responsibility,” Holder said. “Seeking to address the issue through a patchwork of state laws will only create more problems than it solves.”

Say again re that last paragraph and Secure Arkansas’s effort to put a largely empty piece of immigrant harassment in the Arkansas Constitution, with the help of the good Christians at the Family Council.

Advertisement

Want to know what Mike Ross thinks?

My thoughts on Justice Dept’s lawsuit against AZ immigration on Telephone Town Hall TONIGHT at 7pmCST. Phone: 1-877-229-8493, PIN: 14573

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article It’s never too early to start thinking about Halloween Next article Tuesday: Sweet Eagle, Ivoryline, Steele Jessup