This past Monday, October 31^st, the administration of President Barack Obama challenged a new South Carolina immigration law, its third,  arguing that it is unconstitutional and interferes with federal immigration authorities, a Department of Justice spokesman stated. The South Carolina law, signed by Governor Nikki Haley – the daughter of immigrants from India, signed into law in June. It should come into force on 1 January, 2012. (more…)

At the National Governors Association meeting, from left, Phil Bredesen, Deval Patrick, Joe Manchin III and Bob McDonnell. NYT.

(NYT).- In a private meeting with White House officials this weekend, Democratic governors voiced deep anxiety about the Obama administration’s suit against Arizona’s new immigration law, worrying that it could cost a vulnerable Democratic Party in the fall elections.

While the weak economy dominated the official agenda at the summer meeting here of the National Governors Association, concern over immigration policy pervaded the closed-door session between Democratic governors and White House officials and simmered throughout the three-day event.

At the Democrats’ meeting on Saturday, some governors bemoaned the timing of the Justice Department lawsuit, according to two governors who spoke anonymously because the discussion was private. (more…)