Feds Sue to Block Utah Immigration Law

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit claiming the Utah Legislature overstepped its authority when it passed a tough immigration law, arguing immigration enforcement is a federal duty.  With the suit, Utah becomes the fourth state whose bid to crack down on illegal immigration has been challenged by the Justice Department.  Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said he has worked closely with the Justice Department and he had hoped it wouldn’t file the suit.  But he said that Utah’s law is significantly different than the other laws that were challenged.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/52972971-90/497-attorney-bill-department.html.csp

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Federal Judge Strikes more of AL Law

The Dekalb County Times Journal (AL) reports that U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson ordered the state to stop denying mobile home permits to people who couldn’t provide proof of citizenship.  The state’s immigration law prohibits any state agency from conducting business with illegally present immigrants and as a result state officials interpreted this to mean they could not provide yearly permits for mobile homes to individuals who could not prove citizenship.  In the wake of Thompson’s ruling, residents will have a window to register their homes regardless of legal status.

http://times-journal.com/news/article_31dd3816-1a0f-11e1-8464-001cc4c002e0.html

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S.C. vs. Federal Battle over Immigration Law Goes to Court in December

The State (SC) reports that a hearing on a preliminary injunction against South Carolina’s immigration law has been scheduled for Dec. 19 in Charleston before U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel.  The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in October asking for an injunction to prevent the state’s immigration law from taking effect Jan. 1.  S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson filed a 265-page opposition to the injunction relying heavily on arguments used in a similar lawsuit in Alabama.  The judge is expected to rule before the law’s start date, experts say.

http://www.thestate.com/2011/11/30/2063451/immigration-law-challenge-hearing.html

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