Melissa issued this response yesterday to the decision by the Supreme Court to overturn part of Arizona’s infamous immigration law, while letting stand a provision that will allow police to ask people for documents proving their legal status when officers have a “reasonable suspicion” that they are undocumented.

“While we are relieved that the Supreme Court has struck down key components of SB 1070, this decision still upholds one of the most dangerous parts of this anti-immigrant law,” said Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito.  “By allowing police in Arizona to check the immigration status of anyone they detain, a climate of fear will be created in communities across Arizona, as well as other states that have adopted similar laws.  Immigrants and non-immigrants alike will unfortunately be subjected to additional harassment by police based on the color of their skin.  It is my hope that this final provision will be struck down once the law goes into implementation.  I thank President Obama for taking such a prominent role in challenging this law and urge the administration’s continued vigilance over its implementation.”