Earlier this week a federal judge temporarily halted a new immigration enforcement law in Alabama that is considered the harshest of its type. The Alabama law, which is similar to a Georgia law recently halted by another federal judge, would have taken effect this Thursday. The judge has issued an order that will halt the law until September 29.
In her order, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Blackburna stated that she needed more time to rule on the merits of the law and that her decision will be made on September 28. Judge Blackburna, who is a Republic appointee nominated by George H.W. Bush, is considered a conservative judge, adding to the perception that the law in Alabama (and the preceding one in Georgia) may be too restrictive for U.S. law.