Prince William County Officials Approve Immigration Bill
Bill Requires State Officials To Check Immigration Status

POSTED: 3:37 pm EDT July 10, 2007
UPDATED: 6:21 pm EDT July 10, 2007

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. -- The Prince William County board voted Tuesday on whether to adopt tougher measures that would target illegal immigrants.

The proposed measure requires that immigration status be checked before someone could use public services such as schools, libraries and swimming pools. The bill also requires police to check the residency status of anyone suspected of breaking the law. The measure would also force county police to ask about immigration during routine traffic stops.

Authorities said the names of undocumented residents that are gathered would be submitted to immigration officials for possible deportation.


In an 8-0 vote, Prince William County officials voted to approve the measure. Testimony during a hearing just before the vote wrapped up after about three hours, News4's Julie Carey reported.

Wearing red stickers that read, "Help Save Manassas," supporters of the bill argued that illegal immigrants are ruining their way of life.

"These border crashers have contributed to rising crime rates, increasing burdens on our schools, hospitals and public services, and the very destruction of our American culture," said proposal supporter Greg Letieco.

Opponents of the proposal have argued that the bill would promote profiling by authorities based on race and ethnicity.

"The motion is misguided in that it directs political frustration and denaturant leadership and focuses on the vulnerable -- women and children. It is harsh and hurtful for those who are unable to speak for themselves in a public forum without fear," said proposal opponent Rev. Bob Menard.

John Stirrup, a member of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, said he authored the immigration resolution because about 20 percent of the county's population is foreign born.

A majority of board members have said they support the resolution but agreed that changes could still be made to the bill such as denying medical services to illegal immigrants.

Officials said the measure may face some legal obstacles in terms of schools checking residency status because courts have upheld the right of undocumented immigrants to a public education.

Officials said the measure could fuel a nationwide debate over illegal immigration.
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