LULAC DENOUNCES GOVERNOR ABBOTT'S IMMIGRATION STUNT AS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND DETRIMENTAL TO THE NATION
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says Abbott's Forrest Gump-Like Actions Open a Box of Frivolous Legal Chocolates at Texas Taxpayers' Expense
January 4, 2024
Contact David Cruz - (818) 689-9991
davidcruz@lulac.org
Washington, DC - In a recent move that raises concerns about the understanding of constitutional principles, Governor Abbott of Texas has drawn criticism from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). The organization, dedicated to protecting civil rights and advancing the Hispanic community, expresses deep reservations about the constitutionality of Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) and Governor Abbott's actions.
Domingo Garcia, the LULAC National President, remarked, "Evidently, Governor Abbott did not take a civics class and forgot to read the US Constitution. Otherwise, he would have seen the supremacy clause, which says the federal government has the authority over our nation's borders instead of spending taxpayers' dollars on political stunts like this that will not solve the political problems and will not solve the humanitarian crisis on the border."
LULAC aligns its concerns with the recent actions of the Justice Department, which filed a suit against the State of Texas challenging SB 4 under the US Constitution's Supremacy Clause and Foreign Commerce Clause. The Constitution explicitly grants the federal government the authority to regulate immigration and manage international borders. LULAC echoes the Justice Department's assertion that SB 4 is unconstitutional, as it attempts to supersede federal law and disrupt the comprehensive framework established by Congress.
Garcia continued, "Governor Abbott is acting like Forrest Gump. He doesn't know where he's going, where he's coming from, or what's in the immigration box of chocolates he just opened up, a frivolous box of legal chocolates. He never knows what he's getting."
"SB 4 is clearly unconstitutional," said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. "Under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution and longstanding Supreme Court precedent, states cannot adopt immigration laws that interfere with the framework enacted by Congress. The Justice Department will continue to fulfill its responsibility to uphold the Constitution and enforce federal law."
As per the Justice Department's complaint, SB 4 would create two new state crimes attempting to regulate immigration, with charges ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony. Moreover, it would grant state judges the ability to order removal from the United States, a move deemed problematic by the Supreme Court in Arizona v. United States. The interference with the federal government's ability to enforce entry and removal provisions of federal law is a matter of grave concern for both the Justice Department and LULAC.
"LULAC calls for a reevaluation of Governor Abbott's actions, emphasizing the need to uphold the Constitution and work collaboratively to address the complex immigration issues," says Lydia Guzman, LULAC national immigration chair. "We remain committed to protecting the rights of the Hispanic community and ensuring that justice prevails for all," adds Guzman.
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