Hispanic Bar Awaits Arizona's Day In Court

WASHINGTON -- The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) commends the U.S. Department of Justice for taking legal action against Arizona's SB 1070.  "We are pleased to see our federal government taking a position on this issue, and to make it clear to all states, municipalities, counties, and parishes, etc., that immigration is strictly a federal issue," said HNBA National President Roman D. Hernandez. 

The HNBA has taken very public positions against SB 1070 since the legislation first started to surface.  First, it spoke out publicly against SB 1070 and highlighted the grave constitutional concerns present in the legislation before it was signed into law.  Next, it joined other national organizations and their efforts for a boycott of Arizona until SB 1070 was repealed.  Most recently, the HNBA joined the National Council of La Raza, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Los Abogados Bar Association of Arizona as amici curiae, and filed a brief in support of a preliminary injunction of SB 1070.  "We remain optimistic that SB 1070 will be successfully challenged in federal court," stated Mr. Hernandez.

"In attempting to appear strong on immigration enforcement issues, the Arizona legislature and its governor actually treaded upon the U.S. Constitution and the protections afforded by it to all Americans, regardless of immigration status.  May the federal government's lawsuit against the State of Arizona serve as a signal to all that immigration legislation falls solely under the purview of the federal government.  That being said, the HNBA renews its call for the U.S. Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform, which is needed now more than ever," concluded Mr. Hernandez.

The Hispanic National Bar Association is an incorporated, nonpartisan, not-for-profit, national membership organization that represents the interests of the more than 100,000 Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors, legal professionals, and law students in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories. For more information, please visit www.hnba.com.