MARCH 17, 2011, 8:07 P.M. ET.

Arizona Senate Defeats Birthright Citizenship Bills

Associated Press

PHOENIX—Arizona lawmakers have defeated five illegal immigration-related bills, meaning the deeply contentious issue won't take on the same prominent role within the state that it unexpectedly did last year.

The state Senate shot down the measures, one of which intended to force a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against automatic citizenship for U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants.

Critics said the Arizona bills rejected Thursday were over-reaching while supporters expressed frustration with Senate President Russell Pearce, saying he saw a lack of "political courage."

The legislation was considered a year after Arizona enacted an illegal immigration law on local enforcement. It resulted in protests, boycotts and legal challenges that caused a federal judge to put key provisions on hold.

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