Ariz. gov praises Ala. immigration crackdown

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) - Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is praising a new Alabama law targeting illegal immigrants.

Brewer's state was the first of several to adopt new measures meant to discourage illegal immigration. Challenged in the courts, the laws are likely headed for a review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Huntsville Times reports that Brewer said during an appearance in Alabama that the "liberal media" has characterized Arizona's law as being driven by racism and bigotry. She said that's not true and that Arizona acted because the Obama administration has not curbed illegal immigration.

Judges have blocked parts of Alabama's law. But provisions still standing allow police to check a person's immigration status during traffic stops and make it a felony for illegal immigrants to conduct basic state business.