It was entirely foreseeable that when Georgia lawmakers passed a bill to fight illegal immigration, “civil rights” groups would sue to block enforcement of the law. Trying to get unelected judges to overturn anti-illegal immigration measures is a common tactic of opponents of the laws, because the will of the people – expressed through elected legislators – favors tough immigration laws.
So the “rights” groups are claiming the Georgia law usurps federal authority to regulate immigration. Incredibly, even some illegal aliens are plaintiffs in the suit. They complain that the Georgia law makes them reluctant to go out in public. But why should knowing lawbreakers feel free to roam about in our society?
The law would let police verify the immigration status of suspects who don’t have legitimate ID. Illegal aliens could then be processed for deportation. The law also would make it a felony to use false documents to apply for a job.
We see nothing unconstitutional in the Georgia law. In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld the state of Arizona’s right to enact a law to fight illegal immigration.
Georgia’s law should be upheld, too.