Groups to sue to try to block Ga. immigration law

ATLANTA - Groups that oppose Georgia's new law cracking down on illegal immigration say they plan to file a lawsuit challenging the measure.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia says a news conference is planned Thursday to discuss the suit.

The law enforcement provisions in Georgia's law are similar to a Utah law enacted this year and echo some parts of a law enacted last year in Arizona. All or parts of those laws have been blocked by federal judges.

The Georgia law authorizes law enforcement to check immigration status of a suspect who cannot provide an accepted form of identification, among other provisions.

The groups say it "establishes a 'show-me-your-papers' police state, encourages racial profiling, endangers public safety and betrays American values."