Proposed Mississippi immigration law sparks debate (similar to AZ law)

[The Straight Story]

Proposed Mississippi immigration law sparks debate

JACKSON, MS (WMC-TV) - Immigrant rights groups in Mississippi are not please after a proposed bill similar to the immigration law in Arizona.

Members of the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance (MIRA) said they are frustrated with the state's effort to pass Senate bill 2179.

"This bill is founded on inaccurate information claiming that immigrants bring crime to Mississippi," said MIRA Director Bill Chandler.

....

Lawmakers in favor of the bill said it just allows law enforcement to determine someone's immigration status.

"What we're saying is we're allowing state law enforcement officials to enforce federal laws," said Lt. Governor Phil Bryant.

http://www.wmctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13834212

[pampango]

1. The tea party strikes again. Immigration laws rally those who "want their country back".

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110113/NEWS/101130340/Racial-profiling-decried-in-Miss-

"Immigration-focused state laws have become a rallying point for many in the Republican Party and the growing tea party movement.

Last year, Arizona became the first state to pass an immigration enforcement law that gives local officers the ability to check the legal status of those who they suspect are in the country illegally.

The constitutionality of Arizona's law is being challenged in court, but many other states are hoping to mimic the law - including Mississippi.

The efforts are being decried by rights groups. "Latinos are the new target," said Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance executive director Bill Chandler. "Many of these bills are based on false perception.""