This is the first state immigration law passed this year. We don't understand why Utah - or any state - has to pass a law requiring that "police check the immigrant status of anyone stopped for a felony or serious misdemeanor" when all the state has to do is join the federal Secure Communities program, in which the immigrant status of anyone arrested is checked with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Utah Legislature Passes Immigration Reform Package : NPR: "Utah lawmakers have approved an immigration package that includes an enforcement law reminiscent of Arizona's but tempered with a guest worker program for illegal immigrants.
The immigration measures approved by both chambers Friday night would allow illegal immigrants to get a permit to work in Utah. But they also include a requirement that police check the immigrant status of anyone stopped for a felony or serious misdemeanor.
Supporters say the entire package balances economic needs and compassion, while opponents argue it will likely encourage more illegal immigration."
The MexicoBlog of the Americas Program, a fiscally sponsored program of the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), is written by Laura Carlsen. I monitor and analyze international press on Mexico, with a focus on security, immigration, human rights and social movements for peace and justice, from a feminist perspective. And sometimes I simply muse.
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