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BY ALANA YOUNG
ANCHOR JENNY MECKLES

It’s a long-time political and legislative conflict with roots stemming from as far back as the civil war -- the sovereignty debate over who should have ultimate control of state issues -- the states themselves, or the federal government?

Arizona’s immigration law made it a state crime to be in the country illegally. Governor Jan Brewer lost her most recent state sovereignty battle when the 9th Circuit Court of appeals upheld a ban on the state’s immigration legislation.

In an interview on Fox News, Brewer called the decision “outrageous”, saying it was merely a hurdle -- and maintaining that she was not giving up the fight.
GOVERNOR JAN BREWER, R-ARIZ: “...The bottom line is this has been a long, hard battle for Arizona. And we bear the brunt of everything that takes place here with the drug cartels and the illegal immigrations, the drop houses, the crime. We are the gateway to America, and I think now we have to stand up for the people of Arizona and for the people of America. … Just do your job Mr. President. Enforce the federal law and we wouldn't have these issues.”
A little background -- after Governor Brewer signed the controversial law, the U.S. Justice Department quickly sued the state, citing an improper preemption of federal law.

"...the power to regulate immigration is exclusively vested in the federal government. … The immigration framework set forth by Congress and administered by federal agencies reflects a careful and considered balance of … concerns that belong to the nation as a whole, not a single state."

The three judge panel in the 9th circuit agreed with the Obama administration Monday, upholding a ban on the immigration law 2 to 1. But Arizona Republican Senator Russell Pearce, says the law is about states’ ability to protect their people -- and the fight isn’t over.

“This battle is a battle of epic proportions. It is about a state’s right to enforce the laws of this land and protect its citizens from those who break our laws.”

And the President of Hispanic advocacy organization NCLR says the problem with the legislation isn’t just that it’s costly, it’s wrong.

“We share Arizonans’ and other Americans’ frustration with federal inaction on immigration, and we believe that together we can chart a constructive way forward. There is a right way and a wrong way to tackle the issue of immigration. Laws such as SB 1070 are the wrong way.

Finally - Journalist Jose Diaz-Balart tells MSNBC the real problem is the lack federal intervention.

JOSE DIAZ-BALART: “I think that both sides on this issue can agree on one thing, the reason that states are coming up with these immigration laws is because there is a political vacuum that exists in Washington that doesn't permit either Republicans or Democrats to confront this issue one way or another.”

Both Governor Brewer and the Arizona attorney general say they plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.


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Transcript by Newsy.