Once again, the US Supreme Court has blocked a Texas immigration law that President Joe Biden’s administration deems unconstitutional. This law, known as SB4, would grant local and state police the authority to arrest individuals who illegally cross the border from Mexico.
If implemented, SB4 would be one of the most stringent immigration measures in any US state. Since President Biden took office in 2021, there has been a record high of at least 6.3 million migrants apprehended for illegal border crossings. In their recent 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’s order suggests that the court may take further action regarding SB4.
The law would empower local and state police officers to stop and arrest individuals suspected of crossing the border illegally, with certain exceptions for schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship. Violations could range from misdemeanors to felonies, potentially resulting in imprisonment or fines of up to $2,000 (£1,570).
It’s important to note that illegal re-entry to Texas can result in significant penalties, with potential prison sentences of up to 20 years. The severity of the punishment depends on a person’s immigration and criminal history. SB4, which was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in December, was originally scheduled to take effect on March 5th.
However, it has faced legal challenges and has been repeatedly halted. Governor Abbott, who is closely associated with former President Donald Trump, argues that SB4 is necessary to address the issue of migrant crossings, while critics claim that it conflicts with federal authority in maintaining border security. The law was challenged in court by the American Civil Liberties Union and the US Department of Justice, who argued that it undermines the federal government’s role in regulating immigration. In late February, a federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked the law, stating that it undermines the fundamental principle of a unified approach to immigration regulation in the United States.
It looks like things are getting intense with the legal battle over SB4 in Texas. The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals hit pause on the ruling, which made the Biden administration rush to the Supreme Court for an emergency request. Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick went on Fox News and talked about the law being necessary because he sees Texas as under “attack” from migrants. He even called them a “hostile group” and compared them to an “organized militia.”
The Texas House Mexican American Legislative Caucus was relieved by the court’s ruling, knowing that it brings relief to millions of mixed-status Texan families. It’s fascinating to see how immigration and the US-Mexico border have become such big concerns for American voters as we head into the 2024 election. According to a recent Gallup poll, nearly 30% of Americans consider immigration the most important issue, even more so than government, the economy, and inflation.
