Police status checks to become law

June 22, 2011



By GINA SMITH



A bill to require law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of drivers they pull over or suspect of breaking the law is headed to Gov. Nikki Haley’s desk.

The Republican governor will sign the proposal into law, her spokesman said Tuesday.

Republicans, including House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said the bill will make South Carolina safer.

“Today, South Carolina joined a growing number of states who are taking proactive steps to address the problems created by immigrants who not only come into our country illegally, but also violate our laws while here,â€