Police powers of the states do not trump federal control of immigration.
Ellen K. Boegel
Ellen K. Boegel is America’s contributing editor for legal affairs.
Posted inIn All Things
States fight for the right to refuse refugees
The Refugee Act assures adequate services are in place when refugees arrive; it does not grant states refusal powers.
Posted inIn All Things
Supreme Court to hear challenges to contraceptive mandate brought by religious organizations
Religious colleges, group homes and medical service providers must comply with the A.C.A. unless they give notice they are eligible for a religious accommodation.
Posted inIn All Things
The fate of immigrant children remains in limbo as President Obama challenges court rulings.
In 2012 the Obama administration, frustrated by Congress’s failure to pass the DREAM Act, launched a policy initiative that grants young people who came to the United States as children limited authorization to work and live in the country.
Posted inIn All Things
Is Kim Davis a conscientious objector?
Courageous conscientious objectors whose claims are denied engage in civil disobedience and bear the consequences.
Posted inFrom Our Archives
The death penalty, voting rights, labor law and other highlights of the Supreme Court term
The U.S. Supreme Court begins its fall term on the first Monday in October. And potential blockbusters already are on the docket.
Posted inIn All Things
First Amendment won’t protect Kentucky clerk denying gay marriage licenses
Kim Davis could be fined, jailed, or removed from office.
Posted inIn All Things
A closer look at the temporary restraining orders in the undercover abortion videos story
The legal issues presented by the release of C.M.P.’s undercover videos involve a complicated mix of federal and state law.
Posted inIn All Things, Politics & Society
Same-Sex Marriage Decision Resolves One Question, Raises Many Others
Legal abstractions in Obergefell v. Hodges have concrete results
Posted inFrom Our Archives
‘Celebrate today’s decision’ argues Chief Justice Roberts, but do not celebrate Constitution
On June 26, 2015, a 5-4 majority of the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that states may not limit marriage to opposite-sex couples. Justice Kennedy, in an opinion joined by Justices Breyer, Ginsburg, Kagan and Sotomayor, declared same-sex couples are protected by the due process and