South Carolina Statehouse Blog

COLUMBIA, S.C. — July 29, 2010 — State Senator Lawrence K. Grooms, who introduced a bill that lets South Carolina’s law enforcement agencies crack down on illegal aliens, today responded to the decision by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton to block key provisions of a similar Arizona bill.

“The number one responsibility of government is to protect its citizens. Because the federal government failed miserably, the states took action to protect our borders,” Grooms says. “With yesterday’s decision the feds have failed us twice.”

“A state’s police power is a basic right ensure community protection. The Arizona bill was passed by a legislature elected by the people, for the protection of the people. Like Arizona’s law, my bill is a reasonable, commonsense step and I’m moving as quickly as possible to reintroduce it in the upcoming session. I won’t simply roll over and turn a blind eye toward the safety of our own back yard.”

Grooms, R-Bonneau, represents portions of Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester counties. A small business owner, he is chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.