U.S. District Judge Sharon Lovelace Blackburn has halted Alabama's immigration law from going into effect for one month while she considers the constitutionality of the law.

Blackburn cited "limited time available to adequately address the numerous challenges" as the reasoning for the temporary block.

Below is the order Blackburn issued.

"This matter comes before the court on the Motions for Preliminary Injunction filed in the above-referenced cases. The court having discussed with counsel its concerns regarding the limited time available to adequately address the numerous challenges to Act 2011-535 [H.B. 56] by the effective date,1 it is hereby ORDERED that Act 2011-535 [H.B. 56] is TEMPORARILY ENJOINED, and may not be executed or enforced. In entering this order the court specifically notes that it is in no way addressing the merits of the motions.

The court will issue detailed Memorandum Opinions and Orders ruling on the merits of the pending Motions for Preliminary Injunction no later than September 28, 2011. This temporary injunction shall remain in effect until September 29, 2011, or until the court enters its rulings, whichever comes first.

Done this 29th day of August, 2011."

Governor Robert Bentley reacted to the ruling saying, "“I look forward to the Judge ruling on the merits. We have long needed a tough law against illegal immigration in this state, and we now have one. I will continue to fight at every turn to defend this law against any and all challenges.”

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) commended Judge Blackburn for taking more time to review the law. “Judge Blackburn clearly understands the complexity of this issue and we are encouraged by her willingness to carefully examine all aspects of the case prior to ruling. We also appreciate Attorney General Luther Strange’s commitment to upholding state law and applaud his leadership in this case.”

House Speaker Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn) also applauded the judge’s deliberate approach to reviewing this law. “I’m pleased Alabama is one step closer to having a law that addresses this growing problem. This is not an easy issue to adjudicate and I appreciate Judge Blackburn’s willingness to take the appropriate time to review the law. I am also grateful for the dedication of Attorney General Luther Strange and his team for their tireless efforts in this case to defend state law.”

(Information Source: Gov. Bentley's Press Office, Speaker Mike Hubbard's Office)