Controversy over Texas immigration law continues

The US Supreme Court yesterday allowed Texas to decriminalize illegal immigration. Now the Court of Appeal has again stayed this law. So the legal drag continues.

A controversial immigration law in the state of Texas continues to vex the courts in the United States. After the Supreme Court ruling, the law initially came into effect on Tuesday, but was again suspended by the Court of Appeal later that evening (local time).

According to the US media, Texas did not want to accept this decision. The Court of Appeal is hearing today whether to grant the government's request and reinstate the law for the time being.

Central government Seen beyond authority

In December, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation allowing the arrest of people suspected of entering the country illegally. Local magistrates should also be empowered to order immediate evacuation of people. Once in custody, victims can choose whether to comply with an order to leave the United States or plead guilty to criminal charges for crossing the border illegally.

A federal judge struck down the law in late February, but an appeals court quickly overturned that decision. Against this the central government was prompted to file an appeal in the Supreme Court. The US Justice Department argued that the South American state was overstepping its authority over the project – which caused the initial delay.

No one was arrested at the border

With Tuesday's Supreme Court ruling, the law was initially able to go into effect until an appeals court struck it down again. In the short time the law went into effect Tuesday, Texas officials said no arrests have been made at the border.

The issue of immigration has played a central role in the US presidential campaign. Recent decisions surrounding the law will further fuel the debate over US immigration policy. The legal battle over the law now enters the next round. Cases from the Justice Department and several human and civil rights organizations still have to make their way through legal authorities.