Voting Rights: Showing problems are still out there, a "federal judge on Wednesday struck down a voting rule that required naturalized citizens in Ohio to provide proof of their citizenship if challenged by a poll worker." [NYT] Meanwhile, a somewhat narrow issue with important implications for immigrants is in front of the Supreme Court:
The intersection of federal criminal law and immigration law is a perilous place for the millions of legal residents of the United States who are not citizens: one slip, one criminal conviction, can mean deportation.
The question, posed by two separate cases that were consolidated for a single argument, was whether immigration officials can treat an immigrant’s state-court conviction for possession of a small quantity of illegal drugs as an "aggravated felony" as long as the crime is considered a felony under the state law, even if federal law treats the same conduct as only a misdemeanor. ...
His lawyer, Timothy Crooks, said the case was not moot because under the conditions of his "supervised release" in Mexico, Mr. Toledo-Flores must observe certain rules, including abstention from alcohol.
Interesting name for a defense attorney. Recent draconian laws have led to situations where petty crimes, even long ago, might lead to long time residents to be deported. Of course, legal residents (aliens) are especially endangered by the probably unconstitutional habeas stripping bill.
Hypocrisy Alert: Also per Talk Left, we learn a "gay list" was made as some sort of CYA move arising out of the Foley mess. Staffers from "Representative Katherine Harris and Henry Hyde and Senators Bill Frist, George Allen, Mitch McConnell and Rick Santorum" are involved. My sympathies. Legal connection? Remember the sort of anti-homosexual laws these sorts promote.