Sen. Schumer invites Ariz. governor to hearing on controversial anti-immigration law

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Thursday invited Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) to testify before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security about a controversial Arizona anti-immigration law.

"I write to invite you to testify at a hearing on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 entitled 'Examining the Constitutionality and Prudence of State and Local Governments Enforcing Immigration Law,' " Schumer wrote in the letter  "At this hearing, we will be examining whether it is both constitutional and sound public policy for states to enact broad laws, such as S.B. 1070 in Arizona, that are designed to deter and punish illegal immigration."

The invitation comes a day after the Republican presidential field debated, among other things, illegal immigration reduction at a debate in Mesa, Ariz.

The law in question, S.B. 1070, passed in 2010, requires anyone in Arizona to present proof of citizenship if local law enforcement feels there's reason to believe he or she is not a legal citizen.

Schumer writes in the letter that the hearing will review whether the law is constitutional. Schumer's hearing is scheduled a day ahead of when the Supreme Court is slated to begin listening to oral arguments on the law.

Brewer has defended the law even as a number of liberal organizations and the Obama administration have criticized it.

In the letter, Schumer also writes that the committee wants to hear Brewer's explanation for signing the law, as well as if she thinks it's still necessary and whether it should be "made a permanent law irrespective of whether conditions further improve along the southern border." 

"We would also appreciate any other insight you can provide regarding the legality and prudence of enacting state immigration laws," Schumer writes. "As you frequently ask the president to visit the southern border to discuss border security, we expect that you will be eager to engage in a productive dialogue with the congressional committee responsible for acting upon any border security recommendations you provide."

Read the letter below: