The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling Monday on Arizona's controversial SB 1070, striking down three of its provisions.

But the 5-3 ruling left the most contested part of the law, the so-called "show me your papers" clause which allows law enforcement officials to request proof of citizenship or legal status of some they suspect may be here illegally if they stopped that person on another infraction.

Still it left that provision open to future challenges if, as some opponents suspect, it will be abused against racial and ethnic minorities.

Georgia passed its own immigration law last year, which is considered tougher than Arizona's law. Alabama passed an Arizona-modeled law, too.

'This ruling allows racial profiling to resume in Georgia.' - House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Attorney General Sam Olens — both Republicans — told the Associated Press that the ruling acknowledges that states do have a key role in enforcing federal immigration law.

But Georgia's House Democrats say the ruling will allow racial profiling to return to the state.

"The Supreme Court today issued a troubling ruling that encourages racial profiling, and we must remain vigilant that this does not happen in Georgia,” House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams said in a statement.

Abrams represents District 84, which includes Candler Park, East Lake, Kirkwood and portions of South DeKalb.

“We are very disappointed by the "show your papers" provision, which returns us to a terrible time in our state's history," the statement continued.

"Human rights must be protected for all - regardless of race or status. This ruling allows racial profiling to resume in Georgia. The fact that it is now legal does not make it right, and we call upon the Governor and the GOP leadership to repeal this disturbing trend in our state's lawmaking."