Texas House Committee To Consider Immigration Bills
AUSTIN (AP) - A House panel is debating several hot-button bills that could give police more power to enforce immigration laws.
The bills are aimed in part at cracking down on so-called sanctuary cities, which Gov. Rick Perry has put on the fast track in the Texas Legislature. One version of the Republican-backed legislation would make it clear that police agencies must not be barred from asking about immigration status after arresting people. Others are tougher, requiring that police officers inquire about immigration status.
Supporters say the legislation is needed to cut down on crime. Opponents say it will bog down police officers in added paperwork and negatively impact their ability to enforce state laws and respond to life-or-death emergencies.
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