S.C. governor to sign tough immigration law

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By Luke Kerr-Dineen, USA TODAY

Updated

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley confirms through a spokesperson that she will sign a tough bill requiring police to check the immigration status of anyone who has been arrested, the Associated Press reports.

That would make South Carolina the fifth state to adopt such laws, after Utah, Indiana, Georgia and Arizona.

Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas are considering similar measures this session, Reuters reports.

The State newspaper reports that South Carolina's law will mandate that businesses check new employees through the federal online 'E-Verify' system and require the creation of "a statewide illegal immigrant police force, operating under the state Department of Public Safety."

House Democrats, The State reports, argue that the proposition is "illogical and will hurt businesses." The AP says the American Civil Liberties Union plans to challenge the law in court.

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