This week (4.11.2011)

Appeals Court Upholds Justice Challenge on Arizona Immigration Law

A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a lower court decision that blocked the most contested provisions of Arizona’s immigration law from taking effect. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled that a federal judge did not abuse her discretion in blocking provisions of the law that would, among other things, require police to check immigration status if they stop someone while enforcing other laws.

Maryland House passes Bill to Allow in-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants who Meet Conditions

As many southern states pass news laws to crack down on illegal immigrants, the Maryland General Assembly on Friday moved toward allowing them to pay in-state college tuition, if they meet certain conditions. The Maryland House voted 74-66 on Friday for the measure after intense debate. The Senate already has passed similar legislation. Democratic supporters say the legislation would create opportunity for people who have lived in Maryland for years and paid state taxes.

ICE Agents Accused of 'Stalking' Immigrants in Detroit

Community leaders and activists say federal immigration agents are stalking Hispanic immigrants on the city's southwest side as they go to church and take their children to school. About 120 people stood in the pouring rain Wednesday outside the Hope of Detroit Academy on North Campbell near Michigan to voice concerns during a news conference that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are targeting their community and illegally searching homes.

Alabama Lawmakers Adopt Arizona-Style Immigration Laws

The Arizona-style crackdown on undocumented immigrants looks set to be brought to Alabama after the state's House of Representatives passed the measure. Despite opposition from Democrats and civil rights groups, it was passed by 73 votes to 28 on Tuesday and will now go to the Alabama Senate for a vote. The bill gives state and local police broad powers to check the immigration status of people detained on other charges.

Indiana Immigration Bill's Fate Could be Determined This Week

The chairman of an Indiana House committee says he'll decide in the coming days whether the committee will take up a bill aiming for an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigration.

The bill approved by the Senate would allow police officers to seek proof of immigration status if they have a reasonable suspicion a person is in the country illegally.

Andrew Simpson

Andrew Simpson is a Policy and Outreach Associate at Sojourners.