Anthony Pura
Story Created: Jan 6, 2011 at 5:55 PM CST

(Story Updated: Jan 6, 2011 at 6:30 PM CST )
Nebraska could soon follow step with Arizona in adopting stricter immigration laws. Senator Charlie Janssen with the help Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning introduced the Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act.

It would give officers the power to verify immigration status of offenders if there is 'reasonable suspicion'.

It criminalizes working in the state while in the country illegally and makes it tougher for them to obtain legal status once in the country.

Harboring or shielding illegal immigrants would also be a crime - that could extend out to entities like churches.

Critics say it opens up the door for racial profiling.

"How do you define there is a suspicion that you're an illegal immigrant? There are a lot of gray areas on how they're going to proceed and implement these laws," said Carlos Barcenas, Multicultural Coalition of Grand Island.

Senator Janssen's office said there is an estimated $50,000 illegal immigrants in the state.


MAIN POINTS OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACT

1. Prohibits "sanctuary cities". No official or agency of this state or a
county, city, or other political subdivision may limit or restrict the
enforcement of federal immigration laws to less than the full extent
permitted by federal law.

2. Peace officers shall determine immigration status of person who has beelawfully stopped, detained, or arrested when reasonable suspicion exists that a person is unlawfully present.

If reasonable suspicion exists, status shall be determined before release from custody.

Reasonable suspicion is not based solely upon person's race, color,
religion, sex, or national origin.

Lawful presence can be proved by:

(1) Driver's License
(2) State or Tribal Identification Card
(3) Any federal, state, or tribal issued identification if requires
proof of lawful presence prior to issuance

3. All immigrants are required to register with the federal government, to carry alien registration certificate or alien registration receipt card
issued by federal government

4. It is illegal for unlawfully present person to work as an employee or
independent contractor

5. No harboring, transporting, concealing of persons unlawfully present to shield from detection or encouragement of persons unlawfully present to come to or reside in the state

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