Arizona-style immigration bill fails in South Dakota House

Rapid City Journal
February 14, 2011
SIOUX FALLS, SD

South Dakota lawmakers have rejected a bill to establish immigration standards that mimic laws enacted by Arizona last year.

Rep. Manny Steele, a Sioux Falls Republican, introduced a bill to direct law officers enforcing other laws to make reasonable attempts to ask about a suspect's immigration status if there's reason to believe that person is in the U.S. illegally.

But the House State Affairs Committee rejected the bill after hearing from law enforcement groups and others who say they work with immigrants. Some lawmakers said they were worried about the unintended consequences of passing the bill.

Supporters say an Arizona-style law is necessary to protect South Dakotans from the costs of illegal immigration.

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/ar ... 03286.html