FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
March 1, 2012
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Suzanne Webb (334) 242-7351
Page 1 of 1
ALABAMA AG OFFICE ARGUES TO APPEALS COURT
THAT IMMIGRATION LAW IS CONSTITUTIONAL
(MONTGOMERY) – Today in Atlanta, lawyers from the Alabama Attorney General’s
Office argued to judges on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals that the state’s immigration law is
constitutional.
Both the United States Department of Justice and private plaintiffs sued to enjoin
Alabama’s immigration statute. Although federal courts preliminarily enjoined some of the
law’s provisions, Alabama has successfully defeated attempts to enjoin critical components of
the law, including provisions that permit law enforcement officers to verify immigration status
during lawful stops. The constitutionality of those provisions and other important aspects of the
law are on appeal before the 11th Circuit. Attorneys from Alabama told a panel of three judges
today that Congress and the Supreme Court have made clear that States have the power to
enact laws addressing the problems created by illegal immigration.
The Court announced that it would not issue an opinion until after the U.S. Supreme
Court renders its decision in a pending Arizona case.
Attorney General Luther Strange said afterwards that he hopes that today’s hearing will
clear up misconceptions about the immigration law. He emphasized that Alabama’s law does
not conflict with, but parallels and builds upon federal laws enacted by Congress, and is
designed to work in cooperation with the federal government. “Congress has a policy against
illegal immigration,” Attorney General Strange said. “Alabama’s law is consistent with what
Congress wanted. It is ironic that in this case, the Obama Administration is hoping to stop the
operation of Alabama’s law and to undermine the purposes of Congress.”
Attorney General Strange further noted, “I am proud of Alabama’s strong tradition of
welcoming legal immigrants, which has its foundation in our State Constitution’s express
encouragement of lawful immigration. This has been demonstrated throughout the years by
international companies that choose to locate and bring their people here. From Mercedes and
Hyundai to NASA to Thyssen-Krupp, and countless other examples, our State has continually
sought to encourage people from around the world to come work and live in Alabama.”
The Court also heard arguments today regarding Georgia’s immigration law, which also
is under challenge. The federal court has upheld the vast majority of Georgia’s law, but
enjoined two sections of the law on grounds similar to those at issue in Alabama’s case. Georgia
appealed the court’s injunction to the 11th Circuit and also argued today that its law is
constitutional.
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501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
