WASHINGTON -
Monday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning key provisions in Arizona's illegal immigration law opens the door for courts to strike down similar provisions other in states.
However, supporters of immigration crackdowns say the ruling also gives states a critical role in enforcing federal law. They say it allows local authorities to check the immigration status of those suspected of being in the country illegally.
South Carolina state Sen. Larry Martin is a Republican who sponsored his state's legislation. He says the ruling does give some opportunity for states to interact more closely with the federal government. But he says that beyond that, state officials have their hands tied by federal law.
Laws passed in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Indiana and Utah were modeled at least in part upon the one passed by Arizona in 2010.
