Latino Activist Group Warns Bennett About Bill

Sarasota Herald Tribune (Florida)
January 19, 2011
BY DALE WHITE
BRADENTON, FL

A Latino organization warned state Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, on Tuesday that -- though he may have good intentions -- he is being perceived as a "racist" because of a bill he filed to crack down on illegal immigrants.

"I know you as a good man, not a racist," C. J. Czaia, spokesman for the newly formed UnidosNow.org, told Bennett during a meeting of Manatee County's legislative delegation.

Several other supporters of the Sarasota-based activist group, which speaks out on issues affecting the Latino population, also attended the session.

Bennett countered that the legislation he sponsors bans "racial" profiling and that, by filing it, he can have a say in how state lawmakers handle the sensitive issue.

"The easiest way to control a bill is to file a bill," said Bennett.

Bennett said state lawmakers greatly feel compelled to take up illegal immigration because the federal government has failed in its responsibility to guard the nation's borders.

Bennett's Senate Bill 136 states that "during a lawful stop, detention or arrest" a law enforcement officer can ask for proof that a person is legally in the country if the officer has "a reasonable suspicion" that the person is not.

A valid driver's license would serve as adequate proof.

The bill also states that the officer "may not consider race, color or national origin" when reaching that "reasonable suspicion."

Bennett stressed that an officer would need "probable cause," such as a traffic infraction, before questioning anyone.

State Rep. Will Snyder, R-Stuart, has filed a companion bill in the House, HB 237.

Czaia contends the bills are inspired by a controversial Arizona law being challenged by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Richard O'Brien, chairman of the Manatee County Democratic Party, said - despite the bill's wording - law enforcement might consider people's accents and skin color when questioning their legal status.

Lawmakers are unconcerned about other illegal immigrants, Czaia said - such as illegal immigrant workers who come from countries other than Mexico, who legally enter the country through airports and overstay their visas.

State Sen. Arthenia L. Joyner, D-Tampa, said she will scrutinize Bennett's bill when it comes before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Illegal immigrants drive up government subsidies for health care, welfare and other state benefits, Joyner said. Yet deporting some illegal immigrant workers could devastate agriculture, the hospitality industry and other sectors of the economy dependent on illegal immigrant, low-wage labor.

"There must be some deliberation about this," Joyner said.

O'Brien warned that Florida risks losing significant business from Latin American tourists if the legislation passes.

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