US Files Suit Against Arizona Immigration Law

Police there already have a similar immigration policy

(NEWSER) - It’s odd that the Obama administration is suing Arizona over its immigration law—because Rhode Island cops have been carrying out the same basic procedure for years, writes Andy McCarthy in the National Review . Rhode Island cops routinely check for immigration status during traffic stops, reporting any illegals they find to the feds. Critics argue that such checks will be a burden for cops, but in Rhode Island, the police insist on doing it. More»

Repeated calls to Holder to appoint special prosecutor

(NEWSER) - Republicans are calling for the attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Joe Sestak's claims that someone in the Obama administration offered him a high-ranking job to drop out of the Pennsylvania primary race against Arlen Specter. And they've already used the “I” word. “It's very clear that allegation is one that everyone from Arlen Specter to Dick Morris has said is in fact a crime, and could be impeachable,” Rep. Darrel Issa tells Fox News . More»

Justice Department prepares to block state law

(NEWSER) - The Obama administration is considering taking the rare—and potentially explosive—step of challenging Arizona's immigration law in court. The government may sue the state over the law as the Justice Department examines ways to block the statute before it takes effect this summer, officials tell the Washington Post . More»

President says measure flies in the face of 'basic notions of fairness'

(NEWSER) - President Obama ripped into Arizona's new illegal immigration law today, saying it threatens “to undermine basic notions of fairness we cherish as Americans.” Speaking at a naturalization ceremony for members of the military, he said he'd ordered his administration to “examine the civil rights and other implications of this legislation,” CNN reports. If the federal government doesn't do something, he said, “we will continue to see misguided efforts opening up around the country.” More»

(NEWSER) - The White House was busily waging a do-or-die battle to pass health reform when it was suddenly handed exactly what it wanted to avoid: a polarizing battle about Bush-era tactics that President Obama has already condemned. Obama is attempting to remain above the fray as the administration insists that AG Eric Holder is acting independently. But keeping the president out of the line of fire won't be easy, reports the Los Angeles Times. More»