US Supreme Court Blocks Texas Immigration Law
WASHINGTON — In a bold move, the US Supreme Court has once again halted the implementation of a controversial Texas immigration law that the Biden administration deems unconstitutional.
The law, known as SB4, would grant local and state police the authority to arrest individuals crossing the border from Mexico illegally, making it one of the strictest immigration measures in any US state.
Since President Biden took office in 2021, a record high of over 6.3 million migrants have been apprehended crossing into the US unlawfully.
With Monday’s ruling, the Supreme Court issued an administrative stay, preventing SB4 from being enforced while emergency appeals from the Biden administration and other opponents are being considered.
Justice Samuel Alito, in a succinct order, hinted at the possibility of further action from the court, marking the third time he has put a pause on SB4.
Under SB4, local and state law enforcement officers would have the power to detain and arrest individuals suspected of illegal border crossings, with exceptions for schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship.
The law outlines penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, including potential imprisonment and fines of up to $2,000 (£1,570).
Individuals caught illegally re-entering Texas could face up to 20 years in prison, depending on their immigration and criminal history.
Although signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in December, SB4 was slated to take effect on March 5 but faced multiple delays due to an ongoing legal battle.
Governor Abbott, a Republican closely allied with former President Donald Trump, has defended SB4 as essential for curbing migrant crossings, criticizing the Biden administration for failing to secure the border adequately.
The law was challenged in court by the American Civil Liberties Union and the US Department of Justice, arguing that SB4 clashed with federal authority over border security.
Following a temporary block by a federal judge in Texas in late February, the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals intervened, prompting the Biden administration to seek intervention from the Supreme Court.
Before the court’s ruling, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick described the need for SB4 as Texas being “attacked” by migrants, referring to them as a “hostile group” and likening them to “an organized militia, in essence.”
The Texas House Mexican American Legislative Caucus welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, stating that “millions of mixed-status Texan families can breathe a sigh of relief.”
As immigration and border security continue to be pressing issues for American voters, a Gallup poll released in late February revealed that nearly 30% of Americans view immigration as the most critical problem facing the nation, surpassing concerns about the government, economy, and inflation. — BBC
