Judge Blocks Portions of S.C. Immigration Law

A federal court granted an order sought by the U.S. government blocking enforcement of South Carolina’s immigration law.

U.S. District Judge Richard Mark Gergel said the United States is likely to succeed in its challenge to three sections of the law, according to a filing Thursday in district court in Charleston, S.C.

The measure, which was to take effect Jan. 1, criminalizes an immigrant’s failure to carry a certificate of registration and requires police who suspect someone is in the United States unlawfully to verify the person’s legal status.

The federal government on sued Oct. 31, saying the law will impose “significant and counterproductive burdens” on the United States, which claims legal preeminence in setting immigration policy.

“The department is pleased with the court’s order,” said Xochitl Hinojosa, a Justice Department spokeswoman.

The case is U.S. v. State of South Carolina, 11-2958, U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina (Charleston).