Gov. Rick Perry said in a statement he released late Thursday that portions of Arizona's tough immigration law concern him and that “it would not be the right direction for Texas.”

The governor did not say whether he would veto similar legislation. When asked about the controversial Arizona law earlier in the week, Perry, through a spokesman, simply called immigration policy a federal responsibility.

The Arizona law has provoked protests amid questions about its constitutionality. The recently signed law, which does not take effect for 90 days, would require local and state officers to check immigration status if they suspect someone is unlawfully in the United States. The measure would make it a crime under Arizona state law if immigrants lack registration documents. They could face arrest, a jail term of up to six months and a fine.

Supporters say extreme action is needed to ensure the safety and security of U.S. citizens given the federal government's inability to control the nation's southern border with Mexico. Critics say it's mean-spirited and hateful and will unfairly turn people with brown skin into suspects.

In his statement, Perry said some aspects of the law will turn law enforcement officers into immigration officials. Requiring them to determine immigration status during any lawful contact with a suspected unauthorized immigrant, he said, will turn “them away from their existing law enforcement duties, which are critical to keeping citizens safe.”

Securing the border should be a top priority, Perry said, noting that he has a standing request for 1,000 National Guard troops to support civilian law enforcement efforts to keep the border secure.

“Our focus must continue to be on the criminal elements involved with conducting criminal acts against Texans and their property. I will continue to work with the legislative leadership to develop strategies that are appropriate for Texas,” Perry said. “Until the federal government brings the necessary resources to bear, we will continue to commit state funding and resources for additional border security efforts in order to protect our communities and legitimate cross-border trade and travel, while enforcing the laws already on the books.”

Although Perry says he does not support the Arizona law, the governor last week stood on stage with state Rep. Leo Berman, R-Tyler, to present an “honorary Texan” award to Glenn Beck, noted Phillip Martin, spokesman for the Texas Democratic Trust. Berman favors an Arizona-styled law for Texas, and conservative TV and radio host Beck has defended the immigration law in recent days.

“As the debate on immigration reform intensifies, the focus must remain on border security and the federal government's failure to adequately protect our borders. Securing our border is a federal responsibility, but it is a Texas problem, and it must be addressed before comprehensive immigration reform is discussed,” Perry said in the statement.