Anti-Immigrant Arizona Copycat Laws
Anti-Immigrant Arizona Copycat Laws
The ACLU is fighting back against anti-immigrant laws inspired by Arizona’s notorious SB 1070 through impact litigation and legislative advocacy. Arizona’s enactment of SB 1070 set off a number of copycat attempts in states across the country in 2011. There are now five states — Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Utah — that have passed Arizona copycat laws.
The ACLU and other civil rights groups have filed lawsuits challenging the six laws. The Department of Justice has also filed lawsuits challenging Arizona, Alabama, South Carolina and Utah’s anti-immigrant laws. So far, federal courts have blocked major provisions from taking effect in all six states.
These racial profiling laws invite rampant racial profiling against Latinos, Asian-Americans and others presumed to be "foreign” based on how they look or sound. They also authorize police to demand papers proving citizenship or immigration status from anyone they stop and suspect of being in the country unlawfully.
The Supreme Court heard arguments for Arizona v. United States on April 25. A decision is expected by the end of June.
CASES
> Arizona
> Utah
> Indiana
> Georgia
> Alabama
> South Carolina
