ACLU files suit to block Utah immigration reform

immigration seal
(image: New Mexico Independent)

Even as Utah’s package of immigration reform measures is being pointed to as a model for reform, the ACLU brings suit to prevent some of the laws from being implemented.

The ACLU and others say that one component of the package will lead to racial profiling as police will be empowered to require proof of citizenship under some circumstances.

Meanwhile, the United States Department of Justice is considering a suit to block other aspects of the reform package–specifically a law that would have Utah establish a guest worker program.

As a model for reform, Utah’s package–passed earlier this year–may indeed be model for how immigration reform is handled these days in that it seems to anger everyone while making more noise in the courts than on the streets.

Scot Kersgaard has been managing editor of a political newspaper, editor and co-owner of a ski town newspaper, executive editor of eight high-tech magazines (where he worked with current Apple CEO Tim Cook), deputy press secretary to a U.S. Senator, and an outdoors columnist at the Rocky Mountain News. He has an English degree from the University of Washington. He was awarded a fellowship to study internet journalism at the University of Maryland's Knight Center for Specialized Journalism. He was student body president in college. He spends his free time hiking and skiing.