Today (Monday, June 25), the Supreme Court struck down key parts of a law in Arizona that was designed to deter illegal immigration. The parts of the law ruled unconstitutional were  authorizing police to arrest immigrants without warrant where "probable cause" exists for public offenses that could result in deportation; making it a state crime for immigrants failing to carry registration papers and other government identification; and forbidding those not authorized for employment in the U.S. to apply, solicit or perform work, which would have included day laborers.

However, the Court did not strike down one of the most controversial parts of the law -- a provision that lets police check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws if "reasonable suspicion" exists that the person is in the U.S. illegally.

The following University of North Texas faculty members will comment on the Supreme Court ruling:

Mariela Nunez-Janes, associate professor in the Department of Anthropology, is available to discuss the cultural impact of the Supreme Court's decision, particularly on young Latinos. Mariela.Nunez-Janes@unt.edu.  

Matthew Eshbaugh-Soha, associate professor in the Department of Political Science, will discuss the possible impact of the Supreme Court's ruling on the presidential election. Eshbaugh-Soha researches the American presidency and its relationship with the news media, the public, Congress and the bureaucracy. He is the co-author of "Breaking Through the Noise: Presidential Leadership, Public Opinion and the News Media" and "The President's Speeches: Beyond ‘Going Public.'" Eshbaugh-Soha asks that reporters contact him at mes@unt.edu for quotes or to set interviews.