Explain to an Englishman: why is the Arizona immigration law so controversial?

[Oakminster]

@John_Mace

I just started a thread in GD to discuss the legality of this law.

And I saw that one before I saw this one, so I posted there what I would have posted here:

@Oakminster

This is way outta my field, and I’ve made no effort to research the issue other than reviewing Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, which provides in possibly relevant part:

*The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;*

Full text found here.

I think it is possible to argue that a state can’t legislate in this area because Congress has the bolded power.