Supreme Court Ruling on Arizona SB 1070 Concerning for Civil Rights

Supreme Court Ruling on Arizona SB
1070 Concerning for Civil Rights
Most of Arizona Law Unconstitutional, But Racial Profiling Provision Upheld

For Immediate Release

June 22, 2012

Washington, D.C. – The Supreme Court ruled today that most of
Arizona’s SB 1070—the state’s anti-immigration law—was preempted by federal law
and therefore unconstitutional. The Court, however, upheld the most
controversial provision, the racial profiling provision which allows law
enforcement to determine a person’s immigration status if they have a
“reasonable suspicion” the person does not have legal status. Today’s decision
will not go into effect immediately.

“While we are pleased that the Court rightly struck down most of this
dangerous law, we are very concerned that the racial profiling provision was
upheld,” said Kathy Lim Ko, APIAHF president and CEO. “Anti-immigrant laws like
SB 1070—much like attacks against health reform and civil rights—are an affront
to our values and undermine our fight for a just and equal society.”

Immigrant communities, especially those who are racial and ethnic
minorities, experience a number of barriers to achieving healthy living,
including language barriers and difficulties accessing quality, affordable
health care. Divisive laws like Arizona’s SB 1070 compound these barriers by
pushing immigrants, who are largely racial and ethnic minorities, further into
the shadows and makes it even harder for them to access the health care they
need, further exacerbating health disparities in this country. Such laws are
particularly concerning for Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities
that are significantly comprised of immigrants. As Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders continue to be the fastest growing racial groups in the United
States, the health of these communities is even more integral to the success of
the nation.

APIAHF condemns laws that rely on racial profiling and stereotyping of any
community. Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, as
well as immigrants in other racial/ethnic communities, have been singled out
for far too long by divisive and exclusionary policies that criminalize these
communities and leave them without access to health care, educational and
economic opportunities. The legacies of being seen as a perpetual foreigner,
only limits the ability of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to be fully
included in all facets of American life, despite actively contributing to the
social and economic success of their communities. APIAHF supports comprehensive
reforms that address the myriad of challenges immigrant communities face. The
Obama Administration’s recent decision granting relief to DREAM-act eligible
youth is a significant step in the right direction and one in which the
Administration and policy makers should build on.

APIAHF serves as an anchor institution in the W.K.
Kellogg Foundation’s America Healing Initiative and serves with other national
organizations to promote racial healing and racial equity. APIAHF stands in
solidary with our affiliates and partners working towards social justice.

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