The controversial Texas Senate Bill 4 (SB4), also known as the “show me your papers” law, has been allowed to go into effect by the United States Supreme Court in a six to three vote on Tuesday, lifting a previous pause on the law. Critics argue that SB4 undermines the federal government’s authority on immigration enforcement and increases the risk of racial profiling for migrants and asylum seekers.
Despite the Supreme Court decision, legal challenges against SB4 continue in lower courts. The Biden administration has joined the fight, arguing that the law is unconstitutional. Migrant advocates and civil rights groups are determined to keep pushing against SB4 in hopes of rendering it void, potentially leading the case back to the Supreme Court for a final decision on its constitutionality.
Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, both Republicans, see SB4 as a necessary measure to address irregular crossings along the Texas-Mexico border. They view the Supreme Court’s decision as a victory and a step towards enforcing the law to maintain Texas’ sovereignty. However, critics of SB4 believe it violates US asylum obligations and international human rights and refugee law.
The implementation of SB4 remains uncertain, with concerns about potential chaos and abuse in the handling of migrants and asylum seekers. The White House and human rights organizations have spoken out against the law, criticizing it as a political tool that hinders real solutions to border issues. The ongoing legal battle over SB4 reflects the deep division and controversy surrounding immigration policies in the United States.