Hold on immigration law sparks similar reaction from lawmakers

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - At least for now, supporters and opponents of Alabama's new immigration law are pleased with Judge Sharon Blackburn's decision to take more time to decide the legality of the state's controversial immigration law.

"I stand by what she said last week which is she was going to look at the issues and she was going to decide based on the constitutionality and based on the law, and that's all you can ask a judge to do," says Alabama State Senator Scott Beason, the original sponsor of the state's illegal immigration bill.

Many Republicans including House Speaker Mike Hubbard, House Majority Leader Micky Hammon and Senate Pro-Tem Del Marsh issued statements praising judge Blackburn's initial decision.

But, Democrats say the extra time gives the judge a chance to find the law's faults.

"I want a tough law, but I want a smart law, too. And unfortunately it looks like we have a tough law, and it looks like Judge Blackburn is questioning the smartness of that law," says Alabama State Representative, Joe Hubbard.

Members of civil rights organizations trying to block the bill say immigration reform isn't Alabama's responsibility.

"Taking a state by state patchwork approach is not the answer. This is a federal issue and this needs to be dealt with as such," says Isabel Rubio, Executive Director of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama.

"They ask, we're just acting where the federal government failed to act. If it was this simple, the judge would only need one day to make a decision. By acting in this regard she has said I need time," adds Shay Farley, Legal Director for Alabama Appleseed.

Representative Hubbard fully expects whatever decision is made to be appealed by the losing side. Members of some of civil rights organizations say they'll go as high as they need to in the court system to try and block the law.

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