Activist judge overrides the will of the people…postpones enforcement of immigration bill, as “unconstitutional”

Speaking of bad court decisions, U.S. District Judge Robin J. Cauthron just ruled HB 1804, Oklahoma’s new immigration law, set to go into effect July 1st, “unconstitutional.” The U.S. and Oklahoma Chambers of Commerce have sued Governor Brad Henry and Attorney Drew Edmondson and the court has ruled to postpone enforcement of the bill. KOCO.com has video, here.

Fox23.com reports:

A federal judge has issued an order delaying enforcement of Oklahoma’s anti-illegal immigration law, saying it is “substantially likely” it is unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Robin J. Cauthron issued a preliminary injunction on Wednesday prohibiting enforcement of provisions of the law.

Those provisions subjected employers to penalties for failing to comply with a federal employee verification system designed to prevent the hiring of illegal immigrants.

The Norman Transcript adds:

Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, who introduced the legislation, said he was disappointed but not surprised by the ruling.

He predicted the case would be appealed to the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and perhaps the Supreme Court if the plaintiffs prevail in their quest for a permanent injunction.

Besides the employer provision, the law prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving tax-supported services and makes it a state crime to transport or harbor illegal immigrants, a provision loudly criticized by social agencies that work with the immigrant population.

NewsOK quotes Drew Emondson:

This is a preliminary injunction, not a final ruling. In her order, the judge writes that ‘the Court finds Plaintiffs have established a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of the case.’ We will attempt to overcome this hurdle when the matter is set for hearing on the permanent injunction.

Also see: Truth Seeker – Breaking: Illegal foreign nationals win in Oklahoma – at least temporarily