Learning (Bad) Lessons From Arizona

Far, far, far from the Mexican border, the Georgia State House looks towards Arizona for inspiration.

Georgia’s House followed Arizona’s lead Thursday, convincingly passing stringent new legislation targeting illegal immigrants and those who harbor them here.

The 22-page bill now moves to the Senate, where a committee endorsed a similar but shorter measure Wednesday. Republican Gov. Nathan Deal campaigned last year on curbing illegal immigration in Georgia, but he has not yet taken a position on the House and Senate bills.

Like the groundbreaking law Arizona enacted last year, HB 87 would authorize state and local police to verify the immigration status of certain suspects. A federal judge halted a similar provision in Arizona last year after the Obama administration argued it is pre-empted by federal law. Arizona is appealing that judge’s decision.

Nothing new here, with supporters of the bill arguing the state was forced to act because the federal government has failed to enforce the nation’s immigration laws. If this bill, or a similar one passes the State Senate, we'll see if Republican Gov. Nathan Deal goes the way of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.