A pared-down version of Arizona’s SB 1070 immigration law went into effect today, less than 24 hours after a federal judge blocked its toughest provisions.
“„Lawmakers or candidates in as many as 18 states say they want to push similar measures when their legislative sessions start up again in 2011. Some lawmakers pushing the legislation said they would not be daunted by the ruling and plan to push ahead in response to what they believe is a scourge that needs to be tackled. [...]
“„In the meantime, other states like Utah will likely take up similar laws, possibly redesigned to get around Bolton’s objections.
“„“The ruling … should not be a reason for Utah to not move forward,” said Utah state Rep. Carl Wimmer, a Republican from Herriman City, who said he plans to co-sponsor a bill similar to Arizona’s next year and wasn’t surprised it was blocked. “For too long the states have cowered in the corner because of one ruling by one federal judge.”