Republican presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty issued a statement lauding today’s Supreme Court decision upholding an Arizona law that allows the state to shut down businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
“I applaud the United States Supreme Court in upholding Arizona’s right to do what the Federal government has failed to do and confront the problem of illegal immigration,” the former Minnesota governor said.
“President Obama broke his promise to address illegal immigration, leaving states and businesses in an untenable situation. As governor, I took aggressive steps towards better enforcement of illegal immigration, but ultimately we need a president who will be serious about fixing America's immigration system.
"I also am pleased that Justice Elena Kagan properly recused herself from participating in this ruling because of her previous position as President Obama's solicitor general, a precedent she must also follow when Obamacare is presented before the court."
The court's majority opinion rejected arguments of business and civil rights groups and the Obama administration that the Arizona law conflicts with federal immigration law and should be struck down. The decision could spur other states and cities to adopt their own tough anti-immigration measures.
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