Governor Bentley Statement on Immigration Law Ruling

MONTGOMERY—Governor Robert Bentley today released the following statement regarding United States District Judge Sharon Blackburn’s ruling that upheld most sections of Alabama’s new immigration law:

“Today is a victory for Alabama. The court agreed with us on a majority of the provisions that were challenged.  During my campaign, I promised a tough law against illegal immigration, and we now have one.  The law that the Alabama Legislature passed and I signed is constitutional.

If the federal government had done its job by enforcing its own immigration laws, there would be no need for Alabama – or other states – to pass a law such as this.  Unfortunately, they have failed to do their job.

The judge temporarily enjoined four parts of the law, but this fight is just beginning. I am optimistic that this law will be completely upheld, and I remain committed to seeing this law fully implemented.  I will continue to fight at every turn to defend this law against any and all challenges.”