The top candidates for Missouri’s U.S. Senate seat shared their thoughts on the Supreme Court's decision on Arizona v. United States:

Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO) released the following statement:

"This decision is a mixed bag. Illegal immigration hurts our country in numerous ways and it is sad that states are doing more to enforce our immigration laws than the federal government. President Obama recently decided to impose his liberal immigration policies by fiat, ignoring the rule of law. The President and his Administration are not above the law.

"Last week I introduced a bill, the VERIFI Act, which will take one small step toward addressing the problem of illegal immigration. Currently, most government benefit programs, like Medicare and Social Security, do not require a verification of citizenship. This means that illegal immigrants can access benefits that they are not legally allowed to have. This is called cheating. My bill would close this door by requiring a citizenship check before receiving benefits. It’s a simple idea that we should act on quickly."

Statement from U.S. Senate candidate Sarah Steelman (R-MO):

"When Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed S.B. 1070 into law, advocates for illegal immigrants immediately claimed that enforcing the "Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act" would violate the civil rights of people who were in Arizona illegally. Think about that: a Governor of a border state whose citizens bear a disproportionate burden from illegal immigration, in taxes and living with high crime rates, was told that protecting the civil rights of illegal immigrants was more important than upholding the law and empowering Arizona law enforcement to protect the people of Arizona. I find this outrageous, and I was glad to hear that the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Section 2B, empowering Arizona's law enforcement to check the immigration status of the people they stop.

"States facing an onslaught of illegal immigration need to be able to pass and enforce laws to protect their citizens. I am pleased that the Supreme Court affirmed the vital role of 10th Amendment in the Constitutional framework established by our founders. This ruling also reinforces my belief that the U.S. Senate must confirm judges who are strict constructionists, and not judicial activists. If elected, I will only support judges who will uphold our Constitution and not legislate from the bench."

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill's spokesperson Drew Pusateri shared the following:

"Claire is still reviewing the Court's decision, but as a former prosecutor, she supports looking for commonsense solutions that balance enforcement of our laws while also protecting the rights of individuals who are US citizens or legal immigrants. Claire will continue to work across the aisle to strengthen border security and give law enforcement officers greater tools to do their jobs, while also working to crack down on employers who knowingly hire and create a magnet for illegal immigrants."

Background relating to Claire’s history with immigration issues in general:

- Successfully Pushed for Greater Employer Enforcement of Immigration Law. In January 2009, during the confirmation hearings for Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, McCaskill questioned her about the country’s dismal record of prosecuting employers who ignore immigration laws and how the Obama Administration planned to address it. And in April 2009, during confirmation hearings for John Morton, head of DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), McCaskill urged Morton to prioritize employer enforcement activities. Just one week later, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued new guidelines and regulations that increased attention and resources on prosecuting employers who violate our nation’s immigration laws.

- Passed Deficit-Neutral Bill to Strengthen Border Security. In 2010, Sen. McCaskill joined with Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jon Kyl (R-AZ) to introduce S. 3721, legislation to invest $600 million in border security without adding to the country's deficit. The Senate unanimously passed the bill as H.R. 6080, and it was signed into law just one week after it was introduced.

- Passed Legislation to Crack Down on Border Tunnels. In June 2011, Sen. McCaskill joined with Senators Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) to introduce the Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2011 (S. 1236), legislation intended to combat the growing use of underground tunnels along the U.S.-Mexico border to smuggle drugs, guns and persons into the country. Specifically, the bill would increase penalties for those who construct or finance border tunnels and would require the Department of Homeland Security to submit an annual report to Congress on the use of tunnels along the southern border and DHS efforts to address the problem. S. 1236 passed the Senate by unanimous consent in January 2012.

Republican U.S. Senate Candidate John Brunner's statement:

"It’s absolutely critical that our states have the authority and ability to enforce immigration law to ensure the safety of our citizens and maintain the rule of law, especially when the federal government fails to do its job. I am encouraged by the Justices’ decision to uphold the provision that enables law enforcement officers to enforce Arizona’s state laws.

Nevertheless, this case and the continuing burden illegal immigration puts on our states, further demonstrates President Obama and Sen. Claire McCaskill’s inability to effectively secure our nation's borders. As Missouri’s next citizen-senator, it will be one of my top priorities to ensure our borders are protected and our immigration system is reinforced to protect and encourage those who immigrate to our country legally.

As I have always said, I fully support legal immigration. Immigrants who want to work hard, obey our laws, and live the American Dream have always been a great asset. For those who have abused America’s openness, however, strong and immediate action must be taken. I will oppose any effort to grant amnesty to those illegal immigrants that have broken the law. At the same time, our legal immigrants should be protected by streamlining the application process."