Unions Challenge S.C. Immigration Law (Courthouse News Service)

[struggle4progress]

Friday, October 14, 2011
By DAN MCCUE

CHARLESTON, S.C. (CN) - South Carolina's tough new immigration law, set to take effect Jan. 1, is unconstitutional and invites police to engage in racial profiling, seven civil rights groups and unions say in a federal complaint.

Lead plaintiff Lowcountry Immigration Coalition and others, including the Service Employees International Union, challenged SB 20, which mirrors repressive measures in other states, some of which have been enjoined.

South Carolina's law requires law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of anyone they stop or arrest if they suspect the person might be in the country illegally. It also makes it a crime for any South Carolina resident to transport or harbor an undocumented immigrant.

"Individuals perceived as 'foreign' by state or local law enforcement agents will be in constant jeopardy of harassment and unlawfully prolonged detention and arrest," according to the 62-page complaint. "Under SB 20, all South Carolinians will be required to carry state-approved identity documentation in order to prevent lengthy investigations into their immigrant status." ...

http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/10/14/40618.htm

[struggle4progress]

1. Meeting set for Justice, South Carolina attorney general on new illegal immigration law

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: October 14, 2011 - 4:36 pm
Last Updated: October 14, 2011 - 4:36 pm

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The U.S. Justice Department wants to talk with South Carolina's attorney general about the state's new immigration law.

U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Beth Drake said Friday U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles has arranged a meeting with Attorney General Alan Wilson to talk about the law. The meeting is scheduled for Oct. 26.

The South Carolina law requires police to check suspects' immigration status and mandates that all businesses check their hires through a federal online system ...

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/752d5aa4606541eeb9d845e4119e00d3/SC--Illegal-Immigration-SC/