On March 15, 2011, Utah Governor Gary Herbert, signed into law a group of bills that reformed the state's immigration laws that challenged the federal government to take national action. One of the bills required police to check the immigration status of anyone arrested for an alleged felony or serious misdemeanor. The bill was similar to Arizona's SB 1070 that has been the subject of national debate and federal litigation. The other bills included the implementation of a guest worker program and an initiative that allows American companies and individuals to sponsor foreigners who wish to work or study in the US. The Utah reforms have been challenged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the US District Court for the District of Utah, but the court has decided to delay any rulings until the Supreme Court rules on Arizona's controversial immigration laws.



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