Immigration Advocates Rally Against Supreme Court Decision On Arizona Law
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The much-anticipated Supreme Court decision on Arizona's immigration law is getting mixed reaction across the country, including here in New York City.
Both sides of the legal battle are claiming victory and a small group of immigration advocates rallied at Federal Plaza on Monday afternoon in protest of the decision.
Arizona passed the controversial law requiring police check the immigration status of those they stop on suspicion of other crimes in response to illegal immigrants crossing the border from Mexico.
1010 WINS' Stan Brooks Reports From The Rally
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The nation's high court ruled Monday that those checks could continue and Arizona's Republican governor, Jan Brewer, lauded the decision.
"The heart of Senate Bill 1070 has been proven to be constitutional," Brewer said.
Meanwhile, in New York City demonstrators led by the Rev. Michael Ellick, of Judson Memorial Church, gathered and had harsh words for the Supreme Court.
"Today a spirit of fear has trumped the American dream," Ellick said.
Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito insisted she and others would not take the decision sitting down.
"We're gonna ensure that we elect legislators and elect elected officials that are truly going to represent the voice of the majority in this city and in this country," she said.
Opponents said they believe the measure opens up the possibility of racial profiling and want the entire law to be thrown out.
"It's hard for me to envision a circumstance under which police ask someone to prove his immigration status without racial profiling," Rep. Jerrold Nadler said.
However, the 5-3 majority opinion also said immigration falls under federal, not state, jurisdiction.
Monday's decision also struck down key aspects of the Arizona law requiring all immigrants carry registration papers and a provision that made it a state crime for them to seek work.
President Barack Obama said he was pleased about the court's decision to strike down those aforementioned provisions and once again called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney criticized the Obama administration for failing to outline a clear immigration policy.
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Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will announce its decision on President Obama's health care reform on Thursday.
The court will begin its summer recess after announcing its rulings, with health care topping the list of undecided cases.
After Thursday, the justices won't meet publicly again in the Supreme Court until the first Monday in October.
Where do you stand on Monday's Supreme Court Decision? Share your thoughts in the comments section...
