Immigrant supporters decry bill.

In dramatic fashion, opponents of a controversial immigration bill briefly delayed a Florida Senate committee hearing.
By Patricia Mazzei
TALLAHASSEE -- A praying mass of immigrants and their supporters brought a Florida Senate budget committee to a halt Wednesday to oppose a contentious bill they liken to an Arizona-style illegal immigration crackdown.

Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, announced at the beginning of the meeting that the bill would not be heard until Thursday. More than 100 people who had come to protest the measure stood up and asked to be heard.

Alexander allowed some comments. The group sent up two girls who had to lower the podium to reach the microphone.

“I am here for all the kids that didn’t come because they were taking the FCAT,â€