DREAM Act Portal Forum - Lawmaker hopes to give Michigan an immigration law like Arizona's

http://www.freep.com/article/2010051...-like-Arizonas

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ASSOCIATED PRESS

LANSING -- A Michigan lawmaker said she believes the state's law enforcement officers need the authority to arrest illegal immigrants and is drafting legislation similar to Arizona's new immigration law.

Rep. Kim Meltzer, R-Clinton Township, said her bill would allow police to request proof of citizenship from people who are stopped and questioned on another offense, such as a traffic violation or selling fraudulent identity documents. Officers would have the authority to arrest people who can't prove their legal status.

"We have borders in place for a reason," Meltzer said. "Everyone should play by the rules."

Meltzer, a candidate for state Senate in the August primary election, said racial profiling -- a key fear among opponents of Arizona's law -- would not be tolerated. She said a driver's license would be reasonable proof that a person was living in the U.S. legally.

The Arizona law approved last month empowers local police to question anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally. It has triggered a heated national debate, touched off protests and prompted some states to look at their own laws.

Meltzer said that when the federal government ignores its border patrol responsibilities, it presents "a financial liability for our states, local communities and schools."

Her plan has already garnered strong reaction.

"This is absolutely unacceptable," said Emily Diaz-Torres, executive director of the new Macomb Hispanic and International Service Center in New Haven.

"If it's anything like the Arizona law, we will definitely fight it."

Shelli Weisberg, legislative director for American Civil Liberties Union in Michigan, said the group would fight Meltzer's bill in the Legislature, and in court, if necessary.

"We don't want an Arizona-style bill. It encourages racial profiling," Weisberg said.

But Ken Grabowski, legislative director for the Police Officers Association of Michigan, said a law giving local police more authority is "probably something that needs to be done."