Central Oregonians react to immigration ruling

A major decision by the U.S. Supreme Court Monday has both sides of the immigration debate claiming victory.

The court struck down some parts of Arizona’s controversial law, but upheld a major provision allowing police to ask about a persons immigration status.

“The Supreme Court ruling says states do not have have the authority to preempt federal immigration laws,” said Dan Larsson, a Bend immigration lawyer.

One of the provisions struck down by the court required immigrants to carry immigration papers at all times in Arizona.

The court did uphold a provision that would make it legal for police officers to check the immigration status of everyone they stop.

Latino advocates in Central Oregon reacted to the news Monday afternoon.

“Still, this fact where you can be driving while brown type thing in Arizona, it sets a standard that does not represent our communities,” said Greg Delgado, a Latino advocate. “It’s really going to raise the issue of racially profiling in a very strong way.”

Delgado has been pushing for equality in the Latino community for several years.

“When you say deportation, you are talking about ripping families apart,” said Delgado. “This is why this is dynamic — everyone thinks it’s a black and white issue, and it’s not.”

Delgado says far too many times, the current laws are failing and hurting families, and now is the time something should be done.

“It’s (the Supreme Court) now telling Congress to do something about it,” said Delgado. “We’ve waited too long, families have been torn apart, and we are suffering a lot here.”

Many like Arizona Senator John McCain and Governor Jan Brewer say it was necessary for state leaders to act because the federal government failed to.

“We cannot forget that we are here today because the federal government has failed the American people regarding immigration policy,” said Brewer.

According to the court, part of the law requiring police to check the status of someone they suspect is not in the U.S. legally could stand, but the justices warned that if it leads to racial profiling, it could be thrown out later.

On Monday afternoon, Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber released a statement, saying:

“In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Arizona’s immigration law, ??I want to reaffirm that I am 100 percent committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming Oregon, a state that values the skills and talents of our diverse population and precious human capital. ??If we are to build an enduring prosperity in Oregon, we must ensure all Oregonians have an equal opportunity to contribute.”