Native Vote

Navajo Congressional Candidate Wenona Benally Baldenegro Reacts to US Supreme Court Decision

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA – Congressional Candidate Wenona Benally Baldenegro, who seeking the Democratic Party's nomination in Arizona's First Congressional District, issued the following statement on Monday after the US Supreme Court issued it decision on Arizona's immigration enforcement law:

Congressional Candidate Wenona Benally Baldenegro - Navajo

"In striking down key provisions of SB1070, the US Supreme Court sent a clear message to Arizona that immigration remains within the exclusive power of the federal government to regulate. While three out of four provisions of the law are no longer enforceable, the Justices endorsed the 'show me your papers''provision - the crux of the law that leaves open the door to potential racial profiling and pre-textual stops."

"Allowing a confusing patchwork of state laws to remain on the books is not the solution to immigration reform. We must monitor Arizona' exercise of this provision while, at the same time, pursuing challenges to eliminate it. More than ever, we need to continue working to pass a federal immigration reform law that respects the human rights and dignity of all and reflects our country's proud history as a nation of immigrants."

Baldenegro is the first Navajo woman to ever run for Congress. The primary election will be held on August 28. She is seeking the Democratic nomination to serve in Arizona's First Congressional District.

A graduate of Harvard Law School, she also has a Master's of Public Policy degree from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and a second master's with a Master's of Law from the University of Arizona.

posted June 26, 2012 7:40 am edt