The anti-immigration SB 1070 will soon have its day in court. Arizona’s toxic new law is on the docket of a federal appeals court in San Francisco for Monday. The justices are expected to consider what exactly is the role of state and local authorities in immigration issues. –JCL

The Associated Press via The Guardian:

Arizona’s tough and controversial new immigration law will get its day before a San Francisco appeals court Monday, with the central issue being just what role state and local authorities can play in confronting those who cross the border illegally.

A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will consider Gov. Jan Brewer’s appeal of a ruling that put on hold parts of the law. Among the blocked provisions is the requirement that police — in enforcing other laws — must question the immigration status of those they suspect are in the country illegally.

When the law passed and was signed by Brewer on April 23, it touched off a national furor with supporters calling for similar legislation for their own states and detractors calling for an economic boycott of Arizona. Senate Bill 1070, as it is known, also blew up into a huge political issue during this year’s mid-term elections.

Read more

WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG