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Arizona Senate OKs Immigration Enforcement Bill
July 1, 2009
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Phoenix (AP) - Arizona has moved a step closer to becoming the only state to criminalize the presence of illegal immigrants through an expansion of its trespassing law.
A 16-11 vote by the Arizona Senate early Wednesday would criminalize the presence of illegal immigrants in the state. The measure must still be approved in the House and signed by Gov. Jan Brewer.
Supporters say local police enforcing an expanded trespassing law would provide a second layer of enforcement to catch immigrants who slip past federal agents.
Opponents predict it would lead to racial profiling that would target thousands of Latinos who are U.S. citizens.
Illegal immigrants account for an estimated 500,000 people in Arizona's 6.5 million population.
A 16-11 vote by the Arizona Senate early Wednesday would criminalize the presence of illegal immigrants in the state. The measure must still be approved in the House and signed by Gov. Jan Brewer.
Supporters say local police enforcing an expanded trespassing law would provide a second layer of enforcement to catch immigrants who slip past federal agents.
Opponents predict it would lead to racial profiling that would target thousands of Latinos who are U.S. citizens.
Illegal immigrants account for an estimated 500,000 people in Arizona's 6.5 million population.
(Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
