Mar 2, 2011 9:35pm
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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — An immigration enforcement bill modeled on an Arizona law has failed in a Utah Senate committee because of the stigma attached to it.
Republican Senate President Michael Waddoups of Taylorsville says House Bill 70 has polarized Utahns and would negatively impact the state's economy and public image.
Waddoups says some of the enforcement provisions may be included in other bills, but this specific bill should not move forward.
A comprehensive Senate bill introduced last week requires law enforcement to detain anyone stopped for a class A misdemeanor or felony that cannot prove citizenship or legal immigrant status. The language is similar to HB70, but is balanced by a guest worker program.
Waddoups says Republican senators support the comprehensive bill, but could support individual bills that are coordinated.
