According to recent reports, the Supreme Court declined to revive a provision in the Arizona immigration laws that sought to criminalize the act of harboring and transporting illegal immigrants throughout the state. Arizona is known for its harsh laws against immigrants and its unwelcoming demeanor towards those who cross the Mexico border and enter the U.S. this way.

In fact, Arizona has some of the harshest immigration laws in the United States. Back in October, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco found that the Arizona law about harboring illegal immigrants was trumped by the federal immigration laws. The Border Action Network and other pro-immigration agencies challenged the provision when it was created.

The 2010 Arizona laws made it a criminal offense to encourage illegal immigrants to enter the state or to harbor an illegal immigrant within the state of Arizona. Individuals could also be penalized if they assisted an individual in crossing the border. After the state of Arizona revealed their anti-immigration laws in 2010, segments of the laws were struck down by the Supreme Court.

One of the elements struck down involved this law about harboring and transporting illegal immigrants. This past March, the high court also rejected similar cases in which towns in Texas and Pennsylvania attempted to revive local laws that required tenants to provide identification when renting in the area. These laws would have required all information to be verified with immigration authorities. Landlords who did not collect identification and rented to illegal immigrants would be penalized.

While the government does not seem to be actively pursuing action in immigration, this Supreme Court decision shows a positive attitude towards immigration in this sphere. If you want more information about immigration law, or about state laws concerning harboring and transporting illegal immigrants, don't hesitate to contact a local immigration firm today!