A Sheriff’s deputy makes a traffic stop in this file photo.BOB JOHNSON, Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A federal judge in Birmingham is poised to hear arguments from the Obama administration and others Wednesday over whether a new Alabama immigration law constitutes an unfair assault on civil liberties or is a long-overdue effort to protect American jobs and borders.
U.S. District Judge Sharon Blackburn scheduled a hearing starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday on motions seeking to temporarily block a new state law that’s been described by supporters and opponents as the toughest crackdown on illegal immigration in the country. Attorneys said they don’t know when Blackburn will rule, but pointed out that she doesn’t have much time because the immigration law is set to take effect Sept. 1.
The measure allows police officers, in conducting routine traffic stops, to arrest those they suspect of being illegal immigrants. The law’s broad provisions also make it a crime to transport or provide shelter to an illegal immigrant. It also requires schools to report the immigration status of students, a provision opponents say will make many parents afraid to send their children to school.
The lawsuits challenging the law – filed by the Obama administration, a coalition of civil rights groups and church leaders – have all been consolidated before the chief federal judge from Alabama’s northern district.