Arizona judge rules. What next?

Bolton: Arizona will appeal the U.S. district judge's ruling on its immigration law.

Randall Amster, blogger, on The Huffington Post: "Following the news that a federal judge has struck down what are essentially the worst parts of Arizona's immigration law ... there is a sense of vindication and relief on the part of many who have been working for justice in regard to immigration issues. Still, there remains a basic recognition that this ruling is only a temporary piece of the larger puzzle, and that (the law) itself ... is likewise merely one aspect of a larger struggle for human rights, dignity and a morally tenable immigration policy in this country. So while there is cause for celebration, this is not a moment to sit back and rest on one's laurels — in fact, advocates and activists should be emboldened by the judge's well-crafted decision, and take this as a sign to forge ahead."

The Washington Times, in an editorial: "U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton miscalculated when she blocked critical aspects of Arizona's immigration ... law. Her decision will further intensify efforts by states to find solutions to problems posed by the Obama administration's unwillingness to take command of this pressing issue. ... If Arizona had passed a law that defined U.S. citizenship ... federal supremacy would apply. However, the case at hand doesn't deal with pre-emptive law but with parallel enforcement. Arizona's law does not define who has broken immigration laws; it deals with what to do when police apprehend these criminals. ... Bolton's judicial activism is out of step with the law, out of step with politics and out of step with the good of the country."

The Arizona Republic, in an editorial: "Despite all the criticism heaped on Arizona since (Jan) Brewer signed (the measure), our state is a victim in this international drama. We became a prime smuggling corridor because of federal policies and congressional inaction. The immigration law is wrong for a long list of reasons. But Arizona is not the only state striking out. Other states are considering ... copycat laws. ... These state actions are evidence of the utter failure of the federal government to do the job it went to court to claim. ... A federal judge's assertion that immigration is Uncle Sam's job creates an opportunity to refocus on the culpability and the solution."

The New York Times, in an editorial: "We hope this is the beginning of the end of the misbegotten Arizona rules and what they represent. ... Arizona's law is not a case of a state helping the federal government do a job it neglected. It is a radical upending of immigration priorities, part of a spiteful crusade to force a mass exodus of illegal immigrants. ... Judge Bolton's ruling reminded us all of the unacceptable price of the Arizona way: an incoherent immigration system, squandered law enforcement resources, diminished public safety, the awful sight of a nation of immigrants turning on itself. We hope (President Obama) goes on to make clear to all the states that the Arizona way is not the American way."

Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies and contributor to AOL News: "The ruling's effects are likely to be positive for the cause of enforcement of immigration laws. ... Today's ruling ... reinforces the public sense that the federal government is simply uninterested in securing the borders. ... This is probably the most important lesson from the Arizona lawsuits: that comprehensive immigration reform is out of the question. Enforcement measures must not only be legislated before any discussion of amnesty takes place; they must be fully litigated, too."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/fo ... _ST3_N.htm