In a ruling hailed by many state officials, U.S. District Judge Sharon Lovelace Blackburn refused to block much of Alabama’s far-reaching immigration law from going into effect.
Blackburn’s decision came after three separate challenges were filed by the U.S. Department of Justice; Catholic, Episcopal and United Methodist bishops; and a coalition of civil rights groups, unions and individuals who said they would be harmed by the law.
The Christian Post reports that the judge's decision wasn't a total loss for the churches:
Many churches, especially those that witness specifically to the Spanish-speaking community, are concerned that they will be found in violation of the law for welcoming illegal immigrants into their worship services or for giving them a ride to church when they have no other means of transportation.
For some background on the issue see: New Ala. immigration law treading on religious freedom, bishop says
