Although both Arizona and the United States prevailed in different parts of the Supreme Court’s immigration ruling this week, the Obama Administration’s immediate response seems like a childish slap in the face of the Supreme Court, Arizona, and any other state that might challenge its authority. Justice Antonin Scalia noted in his dissenting opinion, which would…
Since the Supreme Court issued its decision on June 25 on Arizona’s immigration law,[1] numerous news reports and commenters have mistakenly said that most of the Arizona law was struck down. That is simply wrong. The error is apparently based on the mistaken assumption that the four provisions reviewed by the Supreme Court were the entire law. But in reality, most…
On April 25, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case with significant implications for immigration policy and enforcement well beyond the immediate statute at issue. Arizona v. United States is a challenge to much of the state enforcement scheme of Arizona Senate Bill 1070 (S.B. 1070), which was enacted to detect and address illegal immigration in Arizona.…
Abstract: Twenty-two states currently have volunteer state guard units. These units, formally known as state defense forces (SDFs), are today’s state militias. Authorized by the Constitution and built on a strong U.S. militia tradition, today’s SDFs offer a vital, low-cost force multiplier and homeland security resource. In July…
Across the country, states are enacting and expanding school choice options for families. This year alone, 12 states and the District of Columbia have implemented new school choice options for children or expanded existing options, leading The Wall Street Journal to label 2011 “The Year of School Choice.”[1] Among the many school choice advances in 2011 was the…
Abstract: America has arrived at a dangerous, unprecedented moment: an Administration is attacking a state that is simply trying to help the federal government restore the rule of law. In addition to partisan mischaracterizations of S.B. 1070, observes Professor Kris Kobach, the Eric Holder Justice Department launched an unprecedented and unwarranted…
Abstract: Why has the Obama Administration, as part of its lawsuit against the Arizona statute that attempts to help enforce national immigration laws, not claimed that the state law requires or allows illegal racial profiling? The answer is surprisingly simple: Arizona state law actually contains more stringent restrictions against racial profiling than federal…
Abstract: Unions have been a familiar part of American working life for more than 70 years. Less familiar is the state of the union movement today: More union members now work for the government than for private employers. The above-market salaries and benefits that government employees receive are paid for by taxpayers. So, the union movement that began as a campaign to…
In recent days the President and senior White House officials have—in the presence of foreign dignitaries—castigated a law passed in the state of Arizona. This new Arizona law directs that when law enforcement officers engage in a lawful stop, detention, or arrest, a reasonable attempt shall be made, when practicable, to ask about a person’s legal status if reasonable…
Testimony Before the Texas Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security and Committee on International Relations and Trade Matt A. Mayer Chairs Carona and Lucio, Vice-Chairs Watson and Patrick, and Committee Members, thank you for this opportunity to come before you to share my thoughts and answer your questions as best I can. The purposes of this…
A few Members of Congress, motivated by American combat in the Middle East, have called for the reinstatement of a compulsory military draft. The case for coercing young citizens to join the military is supposedly based on social justice?that all should serve?and seems to be buttressed by reports of shortfalls in voluntary enlistment. In a New York Times op-ed…
The District of Columbia is home to one of the nation's most troubled public school systems. The District spends $14,400 for every child in public school—well above the national average and more than any of the 50 states.[1] The 2007 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported that Washington, D.C.'s fourth and eighth graders scored lower than any other…
The Medicaid expansion is touted by proponents of Obamacare as a "no-brainer." While it is true that some states may see...…
It is ironic that while Americans are able to freely choose what commercial luxuries to invest in, we are…
President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney had a heated exchange about energy in the most recent debate. The...…
Today, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council, a challenge to Arizona Proposition 200, which...…
The Department of Justice's inspector general released a long-awaited report on the Operation Fast and Furious...…
In an article in today’s Washington Examiner, senior political analyst Michael Barone argues that Monday’s Supreme Court...…
The House of Representatives will vote today on contempt charges for Attorney General Eric Holder related to his...…
The Supreme Court handed down its decision on the Arizona immigration law yesterday, striking some portions of the law...…
On the heels of Florida filing suit against the Department of Homeland Security for trying to stop the state from...…
Imagine being a child trapped in a failing school in Arizona. Prior to 2011, being trapped in a failing school in...…