June 2, 2010 12:19 PM

Arizona Governor Ready for Immigration Court Fight

By
Jaywon Choe
Topics
Domestic Issues
Gov. Jan Brewer signs bill SB1070 dealing with illegal immigration during a news conference at the Arizona Department of Transportation in Phoenix on Friday, April 23, 2010. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Tom Tingle)

Gov. Jan Brewer signed the immigration bill back in April.

(Credit: AP Photo/The Arizona Republic)

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is still defending her state's controversial new immigration law, and said last night that she is prepared to face any legal charges brought up against it.

"We'll meet you in court," Brewer told CNN's John King when asked what she would do if the Justice Department decided to file suit against the law. She added, "I have a pretty good record in court."

Although several lawsuits have been filed against the law, including one organized by major civil rights groups, the Obama administration has not formally filed any challenges to the law.

In a press conference last month with Mexico's president Felipe Calderon, President Obama called the law "misdirected" and said it was being reviewed by the Justice Department, but refrained from saying whether a suit would be made against it.

But last week, Attorney General Eric Holder spoke with various Arizona officials and members of law enforcement about the law, indicating perhaps that the federal government is preparing to take legal action.

The Arizona measure, which was signed into law last month and goes into effect in July, would require immigrants in Arizona to carry documents verifying their immigration status. It also requires police officers to question a person about his or her immigration status during a "lawful stop" if there is "reasonable suspicion" that person may be in the country illegally.

Brewer is scheduled to meet with Mr. Obama Thursday to discuss the immigration law, according to the Associated Press. On CNN, she expressed her appreciation for getting a chance to speak with the president, and said that this was an important step. "Mr. President, we need our border security, how can we work together to get it done," she asked, "We need your help... We need it now."

But when asked whether she would consider delaying the implementation of the law if asked by the president, she refused.

"I think the people of Arizona, certainly people throughout America, agree that it is the right thing to do," she said. "We need to move forward."

While many vocal opponents have organized protests and called for boycotts against the state over the law, a recent CBS News poll shows that most Americans support it.


Add a Comment See all 27 Comments
by LonePuma July 7, 2010 2:13 AM EDT
July 6, 2010

Dear Governor Jan Brewer,

We again want to mention how proud we are of you and your unflinching integrity while defending the existing laws of American. Fighting against those who dare violate our way of life that is governed by Constitutional law. Two presidents have come and gone and this administration is also without a solution that complies with existing laws. Alex Jones and many others on Youtube and Zeitgeist on Google have given shocking explanations for this unconscionable lack of concern for protecting our boarders and citizens. I don?t want to get off track, but I must say, these videos tell a story with many shocking details as to the path America is being forced to travel, while exposing the puppeteers behind the scene. Suffice it to say, our government is clandestinely tied to the Bilderberg Group, Trilateral Commission and Illuminate, who are surreptitiously responsible for the negative actions against you and the ignorance of non-supporters. We will continue to keep you in prayer, as the Lord will keep you in all your ways, as you trust in Him alone.

Sincerely,

L.P.
Reply to this comment
by ipost7 June 4, 2010 6:55 PM EDT
Brewer is cheered by neo-nazis.

Boycott the n(AZ)i state!
Reply to this comment
by marylou55 June 3, 2010 12:06 PM EDT
If OBAMA and ilk had enforced the law, the ILLEGALS would already have been deported, the fence would be built,the border would have adequate patrols
and the residents of AZ would feel safe in their homes. Resources and jobs meant for citizens would be available to citizens instead of ILLEGALS.
ILLEGALS have NO RIGHTS! NO AMNESTY! Criminals should not be rewarded while those who are immigrating the right way are waiting in line! If you came here under or over the fence, leave and apply for immigration and get in line! That's the American way. ILLEGALS don't thumb your nose at our laws and expect us to nothing. Those days are over. NO AMNESTY, NO AMNESTY,NO AMNESTY.Stop waiting for it!
Reply to this comment
by wmb1957 June 3, 2010 8:55 AM EDT
Is all Obama wants amnesty for all and more open borders, so its not a big surprise the doesn't like the bill. He'd rather let more come in, and have total control as dictator of the US.
Reply to this comment
by govtguy June 3, 2010 8:34 AM EDT
If Pres Obama and AG Holder have any sense of responsibility or political savvy, they will acknowledge and support the validity of Gov Brewer's action(s) and the SB she has enacted. Had Holder and DoJ done their jobs the first, second, third, or fourth times, the issue would NOT have escalated to this point. Had Pres Obama acted upon the issue as he had promised while campaigning for office, this might not have occurred. At this point, "Brewer for President" as she is for sure taking charge and not backing down!
Reply to this comment
by evelynlexo June 3, 2010 5:45 AM EDT
Opponents think that Arizona's Immigration Bill Is Unconstitutional And Will Bankrupt The State Of Arizona.
Supporters of the law say that with as many as 15 million illegal immigrants in this country, we need to address immigration now.
Why don't you argue with FACTS.?!
Take an Action!
Let Your Voice Be Heard! Share Your Opinions for the Historical Record, Vote in Public Opinion Polls at
http://immigration.civiltalks.com
Reply to this comment
by ipost7 June 2, 2010 11:25 PM EDT
Heil Brewer!
Reply to this comment
by marylou55 June 3, 2010 12:24 PM EDT
Nasty, ignorant, says nothing, solves nothing, explains nothing.
Proves you are ignorant and have nothing to say and proves you absolutely need to go back to school, educate yourself, and read up on AMERICAN. history.
by Husker62 June 2, 2010 8:36 PM EDT
Finally a leader from "our" country with a pair big enough to stand up to BO. We've scene plenty of other country's leaders push BO around, now we have one too. Thank God. Don't give up Gov Brewer, you have plenty of support around our country to keep doing what you're doing. Thank you.
Reply to this comment
by BrnFree June 2, 2010 5:51 PM EDT
Hey Jan..When you go to meet that so called president...make sure wear your waders..he spreads it pretty deep. Keep up the fight for AMERICANS. We support YOU! God Speed
Reply to this comment
by fxr60 June 2, 2010 3:49 PM EDT
Obama is "wishy washy" on the subject because he is thinking about votes and politics! He doesn't care about anyone but himself and his career. I hope the Gov. will read the AZ. law to him very S L O W L Y today so that he can see that the federal law is MORE STRICT than the AZ law! The fed. law states you CAN stop anyone(illegal)without any suspect cause, but the AZ law states they have to be BREAKING a law! Let's go with the federal!!! Get legal or go home!!!
Reply to this comment
See all 27 Comments
.

Follow Political Hotsheet

Scroll Left
Scroll Right More »
CBS News on Facebook