Hines v. Davidowitz
Citation
312 U.S. 52 (1941)
Facts
Pennsylvania enacted its own alien registration law requiring aliens to register with the state and carry identification cards, shortly after Congress passed the federal Alien Registration Act establishing a comprehensive national alien registration system. Davidowitz challenged the state law as preempted.
Issue
Whether Pennsylvania’s alien registration law is preempted by the federal Alien Registration Act.
Holding
The Court struck down Pennsylvania’s alien registration law as preempted by the comprehensive federal statute governing alien registration.
Rule
When Congress enacts a comprehensive regulatory scheme in a field touching on foreign affairs, state laws that stand as obstacles to the accomplishment of federal objectives are preempted (obstacle preemption).