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The Texas State Legislature feels like immigrants from Mexico are invading their state! The Texas State Legislature passes a law that will close the border to all immigration. Is this constitutional?

User Ulrike
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Final answer:

The Texas State Legislature passing a law to close the border to all immigration would likely face constitutional challenges as it infringes on the federal government's authority over immigration. While states have the ability to address certain aspects of immigration within their jurisdiction, they cannot unilaterally close the border or enact laws that directly contradict federal immigration policies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Texas State Legislature passing a law to close the border to all immigration would likely face constitutional challenges. The Constitution grants the power to regulate immigration and naturalization to the federal government, as stated in Article I and further affirmed by Supreme Court precedent. Therefore, a state law that seeks to completely close the border to all immigration would likely be deemed unconstitutional as it infringes on the federal government's authority over immigration.

An example of this is seen in the case of Arizona, where the state passed a law in 2010 that imposed strict immigration enforcement measures. This law, known as SB 1070, was challenged in court and certain provisions were deemed unconstitutional because they encroached on the federal government's authority. This ruling established that immigration policy is a federal matter.

Therefore, while states have the ability to pass laws that address aspects of immigration within their jurisdiction, such as law enforcement and cooperation with federal authorities, they cannot unilaterally close the border or enact laws that directly contradict or undermine federal immigration policies.

User Federica
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