Senate Democrats plan immigration backup plan
(Reuters) - Democrats in the Senate are preparing a backup plan to thwart sweeping immigration laws in Arizona and other states if the nation's top court supports the hotly debated measures.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday will hear arguments in a case questioning an Arizona law that allows local police to check individuals' immigration status. The law, which was enacted in 2010 and is being copied in other states, has been criticized as promoting discrimination against minorities.
The Supreme Court's decision has important legal and political implications in an election year, when the reach of federal government, states rights and illegal immigration will be debated.
Democratic Senator Charles Schumer said on Tuesday if the high court upholds Arizona's law, he will introduce legislation that prevents state and local authorities from enforcing their own immigration rules.
Senate Democrats plan immigration backup plan | Reuters
