Lawmaker pushes Ariz.-style immigration bill
A Minnesota state lawmaker is pushing immigration legislation modeled on a tough new Arizona law.
Republican Rep. Steve Drazkowski of Mazeppa introduced a bill Thursday that would require law enforcement officers to intervene if they have "reasonable suspicion" that a person is an illegal immigrant.
The bill would also make failure to carry immigration documents a state crime punishable with fines, jail time or both.
Groups ranging from labor unions to human rights advocates are criticizing the proposal.
Minneapolis labor union president Javier Morillo says the bill is "a lightning rod for intolerance, bigotry and hate" and would lead to racial profiling.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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