US Files Suit Against Arizona Immigration Law

The Obama administration filed suit today against Arizona’s controversial new immigration law. The Justice Department is challenging the law's constitutionality, arguing that state laws can’t trump federal ones when it comes to immigration, thanks to the "preemption" doctrine, notes the Washington Post.

The suit also challenges the law on a civil rights basis, arguing that it will lead to racial discrimination and police harassment. It adds declarations from other federal agencies that say they would be overwhelmed by the influx of cases. The Arizona law is scheduled to take effect later this month, unless an injunction is granted. (More Arizona immigration law stories.)