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Court Rules Against Sheriff Arpaio on Immigration

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that the sheriff , whose Phoenix-area department has been aggressive in trying to deport immigrants in the country illegally, did not have standing to sue the Obama administration because he couldn’t show he was being directly harmed by the immigration policies.

By Timothy M. Phelps

Arizona Sheriff Joseph Arpaio lost another round Friday in his long battle against the Obama administration over immigration.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that Arpaio, whose Phoenix-area department has been aggressive in trying to deport immigrants in the country illegally, did not have standing to sue.

Arpaio contended that the administration's deferred-deportation program _ allowing up to 5 million immigrants to stay in the country _ would serve as a magnet for others to cross from Mexico into his jurisdiction in Maricopa County. He contended that those crossing the border illegally would stay in his area and commit crimes.

But in her opinion for a three-judge panel, Judge Nina Pillard, an Obama appointee, said Arpaio's contentions are "unduly speculative."

Friday's ruling may do little to advance Obama's program. A Texas judge has ruled in a separate case that the deferred-action program is unconstitutional. It remains on hold while the administration appeals to the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

(c)2015 Tribune Co.

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