U.S. sues to block state’s immigration law

Just as it challenged Arizona’s and Alabama’s strict immigration statutes, the Obama administration this week sued South Carolina to block enforcement of an immigration bill the state passed in June. The law allows police to demand proof of citizenship from anyone they suspect of being undocumented, and like the Alabama law, it imposes criminal penalties on those harboring or transporting illegal immigrants. The Justice Department argues that the state lacks the authority to pass its own immigration laws. “We’re trying to help the federal government do something that they are incapable of or failing to do right now,” said state Attorney General Alan Wilson.

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