A coalition of civil rights groups is trying to block the so-called “show me your papers” provision of Arizona’s immigration law from taking effect. The provision is considered to be the heart of SB 1070, and was due to be implemented any time after July 20.
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the provision in question -- known as Section 2B -- to go forward, while blocking three other sections of the law. Section 2B requires law enforcement to inquire about immigration status if they have reasonable suspicion a suspect is in the country illegally.
But a number of civil rights groups have issued a separate challenge to the law. On Tuesday, they filed a motion in federal court asking the judge to prevent Section 2B from going into effect until that court can rule on its constitutionality.
"Typically when you file a request for an emergency preliminary injunction, what you have to demonstrate is that there is a tremendous possibility for harm for the community," said Alessandra Soler, the Executive Director of the Arizona chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups challenging the law.
The civil rights coalition is bringing up claims of discrimination and racial profiling, which differ from the claims previously examined by the Supreme Court.
