SC, Justice Dept. discuss illegal immigration law

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Officials with the U.S. Justice Department have met with South Carolina’s attorney general as they review the state’s new illegal immigration law.

U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles met with state Attorney General Alan Wilson Wednesday to discuss the law.

Wilson said the meeting was cordial but would not release details.

The Justice Department is reviewing immigration-related laws passed by several states and is challenging some of them in court.

South Carolina’s law requires police to check suspects’ immigration status and mandates that all businesses check a federal online system when they hire people.

The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups earlier this month sued to block the South Carolina from taking effect in January. The ACLU has challenged similar laws in Alabama, Arizona, Utah, Indiana and Georgia.