Justice Department Asks SCOTUS to Revive Immigration Crime Law

The Justice Department wants the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn an appeals court ruling that struck down what the government calls an “important federal criminal law” used to prosecute those who encourage illegal immigration.

The petition seeking high court review puts the hot-button immigration issue in front of the justices as well as questions of free speech and crime and punishment.

The law struck down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit last year ensures “appropriate punishment for defendants who seek enrichment by incentivizing or procuring violations of the immigration laws by aliens who illegally enter or ...