States and the Federal Government Fight Over Immigration Rules

Introduction

Some U.S. states want new rules for federal immigration agents. The states and the federal government disagree about these rules.

Main Body

California wanted agents to show their ID. A court said no. The court said federal law is more important than state law. Oregon also wants to stop agents from wearing masks. New York wants to stop local police from helping federal agents. The governor wants agents to have a paper from a judge before they enter schools. She says masks scare people. Federal leaders say they will not follow these state rules. They say masks keep agents safe. Democratic leaders in some states still try to block the federal government.

Conclusion

The states and the federal government are still fighting. The Supreme Court may decide who is right.

Learning

🛑 STOPPING ACTION

In this text, we see words used to stop or block something. This is very useful for A2 learners to describe rules and disagreements.

  • Stop →\rightarrow To make something end. (Example: New York wants to stop local police from helping.)
  • Block →\rightarrow To put something in the way so it cannot move or happen. (Example: States try to block the federal government.)

âš–ī¸ WHO IS IN CHARGE?

Look at how we describe importance. Instead of saying "bigger," we use:

More important than →\rightarrow Higher in rank or power.

Federal law is more important than state law.

🎭 QUICK VOCABULARY

WordSimple Meaning
DisagreeTo have a different idea
DecideTo make a choice
FollowTo do what a rule says

Vocabulary Learning

states
a part of a country that has its own government
Example:The states in the U.S. have their own laws about driving.
federal
relating to the national government
Example:The federal government made a new rule about taxes.
government
the people who make and enforce rules for a country
Example:The government will announce the new policy tomorrow.
rules
the instructions or laws that say what is allowed or not
Example:The school has rules about wearing uniforms.
agents
a person who works for a group and helps them do tasks
Example:The agents will visit the town to explain the new policy.
court
a place where judges hear cases and decide if rules are followed
Example:The case will go to court next month.
law
a rule made by a government that everyone must follow
Example:The law says you must wear a seatbelt.
mask
a piece of cloth or plastic that covers the face to protect from germs
Example:Everyone must wear a mask in the hospital.
police
people who help keep the law and keep people safe
Example:The police helped the crowd stay calm.
safe
protected from danger or harm
Example:The mask keeps you safe from germs.