The Arizona House of Representatives passed a bill yesterday that puts the state within reach of having some of the toughest immigration laws in the
“„It would:
“„– Create a new state misdemeanor crime of willful failure to complete or carry an alien registration document.
“„– Allow officers to arrest immigrants unable to show documents proving they’re legally in the country.
“„– Ban so-called soft immigration policies at local police agencies and allow people to sue if they feel a government agency has adopted a policy that hinders the enforcement of illegal immigration laws.
“„– Prohibit people from blocking traffic when they seek or offer day-labor services on street corners.
“„– Make it illegal for people to transport illegal immigrants if the drivers of vehicles know their passengers are in the country illegally and if the transportation furthers their illegal presence in the country.
“„The provision is designed to target law enforcement policies that prevent officers from asking people about their immigration status, but opponents worry it will make victims and witnesses scared to work with police and prosecutors.
“„…police were deeply divided on the matter, with police unions backing it but the state police chief’s association opposing the bill, contending it could erode trust with immigrants who could be potential witnesses.
“„Immigrant rights groups were horrified, and contended that Arizona would be transformed into a police state.
“„“It’s beyond the pale,” said Chris Newman, legal director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. “It appears to mandate racial profiling.”