Graves Supports Enforcing Immigration Laws

Press Release

Earlier this week, Congressman Sam Graves signed an amicus curiae, or "friend of the court," brief in defense of Arizona's efforts to enforce federal immigration law.

"The federal government is responsible for securing our borders," Graves said. "It should be working along side the states to ensure this happens, as is currently the law of the land. But in the absence of federal leadership on the issue, states like Arizona should be able to enforce current immigrations laws."

In May, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other organizations filed a class action lawsuit to prevent implementation of Arizona's immigration law, SB 1070. In its legal challenge, the ACLU argued that Arizona's law unconstitutionally intrudes on the federal government's authority to regulate immigration.

The amicus curiae signed by Graves and 17 other Members of Congress addresses the role of Arizona's law in assisting with federal enforcement of immigration laws. It points out that federal law already calls for state and federal cooperation when dealing with immigration enforcement. Therefore, Arizona's efforts do not preempt federal law; they simply build on a pre-existing law enforcement relationship.

Graves was joined in his support of Arizona's new immigration law by U.S. Representatives Dan Burton (IN), Trent Franks (AZ), Wally Herger (CA), Duncan Hunter (CA), Steve King (IA), Doug Lamborn (CO), Cynthia Lummis (WY), Tom McClintock (CA), Gary Miller (CA), Jerry Moran (KS), Sue Myrick (NC), Ted Poe (TX), Denny Rehberg (MT), Dana Rohrabacher (CA), Phil Roe (TN), Mike Simpson (ID), and Lamar Smith (TX), who also signed the brief.

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