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California's U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein have joined the chorus of lawmakers and others who are urging a federal review of neighboring Arizona's controversial new immigration law.
The Democratic senators have sent a joint letter to Attorney General Eric Holder asserting that SB 1070 "raises serious constitutional questions, and could lead to the unintended consequences of unreported crimes, higher crime rates, and overburdened police departments."
Prior to Arizona Govenor Jan Brewer signing the bill, President Obama said publicly he had reservations about the law, its potential conflict with federal law, and the likelihood it will lead to increased racial profiling.
The full text of the Boxer/Feinstein letter follows:
April 29, 2010 The Honorable Eric Holder
United States Attorney General
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530, Room 4400
Dear Attorney General Holder:
We write to support your thorough review of the recent immigration law enacted in Arizona - a law which is troubling on many levels.
We believe that questioning a person’s immigration status based on “reasonable suspicion” - as the law states - raises serious constitutional questions, and could lead to the unintended consequences of unreported crimes, higher crime rates, and overburdened police departments.
As Senators from a border state, we understand that many Americans are frustrated with our broken immigration system, and that is why we must pass comprehensive immigration reform. This state law, however, is already proving to be polarizing and hurtful.
We look forward to a report on your analysis of this law as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Barbara Boxer, United States Senator
Dianne Feinstein, United States Senator
