Via the AP: Judge blocks parts of Ga. immigration law

A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked parts of Georgia’s strict new law targeting illegal immigration from taking effect, including a provision that authorizes police to check the immigration status of suspects without proper identification and to detain illegal immigrants.

Georgia’s became the latest in a string of state laws that have been at least temporarily stopped by legal challenges. All or parts of similar laws in Arizona, Utah and Indiana also have been blocked by federal judges.

Judge Thomas Thrash also granted a request from civil liberties groups to block a part of Georgia’s law that penalizes people who knowingly and willingly transport or harbor illegal immigrants while committing another crime.

First, this is hardly a surprise.

Second, one guesses that Alabama’s law is next.

Third, yes:  we need comprehensive immigration reform.  Unfortunately, it is unlikely to be coming any time soon.