Posted by
Defend America on Friday, April 30, 2010 7:28:47 PM
Texas Gov: Arizona Immigration Law 'Not Right' for Texas
Associated Press
Gov.
Rick Perry said in a statement: "I have concerns with portions of the
law passed in Arizona and believe it would not be the right direction
for Texas."
AUSTIN, Texas -- Arizona's tough new illegal immigration
enforcement law would not be right for Texas, Gov. Rick Perry said
Thursday, upholding the state's long-held tradition of rejecting harsh
anti-immigrant policies.
The Arizona law will require local and state law enforcement
officers to question people about their immigration status if there's
reason to suspect they're in the country illegally, making it a crime
for them to lack registration documents. The law also makes it a state
crime to be in the U.S. illegally.
"I fully recognize and support a state's right and obligation to
protect its citizens, but I have concerns with portions of the law
passed in Arizona and believe it would not be the right direction for
Texas," Perry said in a written statement.
"For example, some aspects of the law turn law enforcement officers
into immigration officials by requiring them to determine immigration
status during any lawful contact with a suspected alien, taking them
away from their existing law enforcement duties, which are critical to
keeping citizens safe."
The Arizona law has been hailed by conservatives as long overdue and
two Texas lawmakers have said they'll introduce similar immigration
measures when the Texas Legislature meets next.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told a U.S. Senate hearing
Tuesday that a Justice Department review is under way to determine the
Arizona law's constitutionality.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/29/texas-governor-arizona-immigration-law-right-texas/