Alabama lawmakers defend immigration law

[JURIST] Alabama lawmakers on Friday filed a response [text, PDF] to groups seeking a preliminary injunction against the controversial Alabama immigration law [HB 56 text] that expands restrictions on undocumented immigrants. Attorneys for Alabama state officials, including Governor Robert Bentley [official website], argue that the state law is not preempted by federal immigration law and that the text reflects a "spirit of cooperation with the federal government." The law contains mechanisms safeguarding against unlawful discrimination on the basis of race,…