Thread: MN: Drazkowski introduces immigration bill modeled on AZ law

Drazkowski introduces immigration bill modeled on Arizona law
by Paul Demko
Published: May 6,2010
Time posted: 2:40 pm
Tags: illegal immigration, Steve Drazkowski

State Rep. Steve Drazkowski introduced legislation today modeled on Arizona’s controversial law aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. The Wabasha Republican argues that the proposal, which would require immigrants to carry “alien identification cardsâ€

Here's the introductory text:

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State of Minnesota
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, May 06, 2010

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The following House Files were introduced:

Drazkowski, Shimanski, Dettmer, Scott, Buesgens and Davids introduced:

H. F. 3830, A bill for an act relating to public safety; illegal immigration; requiring law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws; establishing eligibility criteria for federal and state public benefits; requiring possession of alien identification cards; prohibiting the transporting and smuggling of illegal immigrants; prohibiting illegal immigrants from working or soliciting work in the state; prohibiting the employment of illegal aliens; creating the Minnesota Illegal Immigration Enforcement Team; requiring the attorney general to represent the state against any challenges to this act; amending Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 629.34, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 299P.

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Public Safety Policy and Oversight.

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/cco/in ... &session=0

Skakopee Valley News
Rep. Buesgens signs onto anti-illegal immigration bill
By sfiecke
Created 05/07/2010 - 6:26pm

Rep. Mark Buesgens, R-Jordan, has signed onto legislation modeled after Arizona’s new immigration law.

The bill, introduced Thursday, creates a Minnesota Illegal Immigration
Enforcement Team and requires immigrants to carry an “alien
registrationâ€

twincities.com
Potent reaction to Minnesota immigration bill
Sponsor gratified; police criticize plan
By Jason Hoppin
jhoppin@ pioneerpress.com
Updated: 05/07/2010 11:32:27 PM CDT

A Minnesota bill modeled after the controversial Arizona immigration law continued to draw sharp reaction Friday, one day after being introduced in the Minnesota House.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Wabasha, said constituents and others have been positive in their comments.

"Outstanding reaction," Drazkowski said. "Overwhelmingly supportive. 'Thank you for bringing leadership.' "

Set to take effect July 28, the Arizona law makes it a misdemeanor to be in the state without legal documents and asks state and local officers to help enforce federal immigration laws.

The Minnesota bill stands almost no chance of advancing in the DFL-controlled Legislature, but that hasn't stopped a flood of criticism that echoes the outrage of Latino groups and others to the Arizona law. Among the most prominent critics locally are St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington and Minneapolis Police Chief Tom Dolan, who said in a joint news release that the bill would hamper crime-fighting efforts.

"The culture of fear that this bill will instill in immigrant communities will keep victims of crime and people with information about crime from coming forward, and that will endanger all residents," the chiefs said. They were joined by St. Paul's police chief-select, Tom Smith.

The criticism was similar to opposition to past Republican efforts to strip the Twin Cities of their so-called sanctuary laws, which prohibit police from inquiring about immigrations status. The chiefs support that law to encourage victims of domestic violence to cooperate with investigations without fear of being deported.

The Arizona law spurred St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman to bar official city trips to Arizona, and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak to request the same.

Drazkowski said he isn't worried about the reaction to the Arizona law, saying it's being stirred by those who favor illegal immigration.

"As soon as a good number of states get these laws passed ... these people will realize they're on the wrong side of the issue," Drazkowski said.

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_ ... ck_check=1