A federal judge has preliminarily prohibited Georgia from enacting an immigration law known as HB 87.  HB 87, was deemed to have overstepped state authority and may open the door to racial profiling of minorities.

What Was The Georgia Immigration Law?

The controversial immigration law would have authorized police to inquire about immigration status when questioning suspects in certain criminal investigations, to check immigration status of suspects and to hand over any illegal aliens to federal authorities.  Additionally, some could face stiffer punishments for knowingly transporting or harboring illegal immigrants.  Finally, businesses would be required to verify that the employees are eligible to work in the U.S

However, the judge has allowed a part of the law to continue.  The provision that remains in effect is one in which workers convicted of using fake identification to get jobs could be sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined $250,000.  Additionally, those seeking public benefits must provide certain types of identification

Why Was The Georgia Immigration Law Stopped?

The judge issued a “preliminary injunction” against HB 87.  This means that the judge has told the sate that they cannot actually continue with this law.  Citing important civil rights issues, the judge said he had little choice but to issue this preliminary injunction.  Additionally, the judge concluded that the immigration law could conflict with federal immigration rules and “convert many routine encounters with law enforcement into lengthy and intrusive immigration status investigations.”

What Was Georgia’s Response To The Ruling?

Georgia was understandably unhappy with this decision.  The Governor’s office issued a statement saying “beyond refusing to help with our state’s illegal immigration problem, the federal government is determined to be an obstacle. “  However, the state did have some victories in this lawsuit by holding businesses accountable for hiring illegal immigrants and forcing them to use screening systems.

What do you think?  Should police officers be able to ask anyone about their immigration status? Should a business be held responsible for hiring illegal immigrants?