State Files Rehearing Applications to Defend Ability to Enforce Immigration Law

11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals – Atlanta

MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Monday announced the State has filed petitions asking the full 11^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider parts of two opinions issued August 20 regarding Alabama’s immigration law. 

 The original opinions correctly upheld several parts of the law.  However, the three-judge panel’s decision to strike down three of the provisions, including those dealing with harboring, contracts, and school data, was contrary to the U.S. Constitution.

 “We are filing this based on principle,” Governor Bentley said.  “As the Governor of Alabama, I have a duty to uphold and defend Alabama law.  Federal courts should not restrain state governments in a way that is contrary to the U.S. Constitution.”

 “We must protect the State of Alabama from the federal government interfering with our ability to enforce our laws,” Governor Bentley added.  “We owe it to the people of this state to defend the U.S. Constitution and the right of our legislature to make constitutional policy choices.”