MONTGOMERY – Alabama Governor Robert Bentley on Monday issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Arizona’s immigration law.

“While Alabama’s anti-illegal immigration law has similar provisions as Arizona’s law, the laws are not identical.  We will analyze the Supreme Court opinion to see what potential effect it might have on the provisions of Alabama’s law.  State laws on immigration are required because the federal government has refused to enforce its own immigration policies.  The bottom line to Alabama’s law is this: if you live and work in the state, you must do so legally.  The people of Alabama want a strong immigration law, and I will keep my commitment to uphold and enforce Alabama’s anti-illegal immigration law.

The core of Arizona’s anti-illegal immigration law remains.  The Supreme Court has affirmed that states can determine how they will interpret and enforce their anti-illegal immigration laws.  We are pleased that the Court recognizes the important roles of states in enforcing immigration laws.”