Civil Rights Panel to Look at Immigration Laws

Updated: Friday, 25 Nov 2011, 4:27 PM MST
Published : Friday, 25 Nov 2011, 4:27 PM MST

ATLANTA (AP) — The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights says it plans to examine the effects on people's civil rights of strict new laws targeting illegal immigration in several states.

A news release says the commission plans to look into whether enforcement of the laws has fostered or contributed to an increase in hate crimes, compromised public safety, elevated racial and ethnic profiling, or affected students' rights to a public education. Chairman Martin Castro says enforcement of the laws could affect both immigrants and U.S. citizens.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (http://bit.ly/sauWJP ) that the group will put an emphasis on new laws in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. The new laws in those states, as well as in Indiana and Arizona, echo a strict law enacted last year in Arizona. All face legal challenges.
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Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/im ... 11-25-2011