Why was Prop 187 held to be unconstitutional?

Answer by  Anonymous

California Proposition 187 was unconstitutional on its face because California (a state) tried to regulate immigration (which is exclusively a federal responsibility). Article 1, Section 8 of the US Constitution, as ruled by the US Supreme Court, is where Congress's exclusive control over immigration comes from.

Answer by  Scott93 (119)

California Prop 187, which would have denied welfare, health care and education rights to illegal immigrants, was struck down by a federal court judge named Mariana R. Pfaelzer. She ruled in 1988 that Prop 187 could not be inacted because only the federal government can make laws regarding immigration.

Answer by  willard (874)

The judge ruled that Prop 187 was a "scheme" to regulate immigration at the state level but that the constitution holds that power is solely reserved for the federal government.

Answer by  Robinsbooks (164)

The court understood that the United States of America was built by and still depends on a steady influx of immigrants who want a better life for themselves and their families. The alternative is to give the country back to the Sioux.