Arizona governor files appeal over immigration law

Governor Jan Brewer and the State of Arizona have filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court asking for review of lower-court decisions that blocked elements of SB 1070, The Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act.

“I am hopeful that the U.S. Supreme Court will choose to take this case and issue much-needed clarity for states, such as Arizona, that are grappling with the significant human and financial costs of illegal immigration,” Brewer said. “SB1070 was Arizona’s way of saying that we won’t wait patiently for federal action any longer. If the federal government won’t enforce its immigration laws, we will. … State action becomes a duty in times like these when the federal government has so thoroughly abdicated its responsibility.”

Brewer signed the bill on April 23, 2010. U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton issued an injunction on behest of the Justice Dept. on July 29, 2010, the day before the law was to take effect. The state issued an appeal over the injunction with the 9th Circuit Court.