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States, towns set own immigration policies

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published July 20, 2006

Dismay over Washington gridlock on immigration has inspired cities and states to pass their own measures, most of which make life harder for illegal immigrants and demand that employers, law enforcement officers and even landlords act as the front line.

The city of Hazleton, Pa., last week passed one of the tougher laws, approving $1,000 fines for landlords who provide housing to illegal immigrants and denying business permits to employers who give them jobs. Local governments from California to Idaho to Florida are weighing similar steps. States approved nearly 60 new laws in the past few months, overwhelmingly restrictive or punitive.

"It's the blunt failure of any true leadership in Washington, D.C. Everything runs downhill," said Andy Anderson, a City Council member in the Florida city of Palm Bay. He is pushing for an ordinance to punish employers who hire illegal immigrants.

One question is whether the local and state laws would stand if Congress overcame the split between the Senate and the House and approved a new federal law. Many would be superseded, officials acknowledge - but they say it's better to pass a local measure that won't last than nothing at all.

Colorado and Georgia led the way with laws that require proof of citizenship for services and also target employers who hire illegal immigrants.

Overall, 27 states passed laws toughening rules on education, employment, legal services and identification, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The 59 new laws that went on the books in this year's legislative sessions were a big increase from the 37 immigration-related laws from the year before.

"States certainly have the right to determine how to regulate identification, they can regulate instate tuition, and use of their own employment law, said Sherri Steisel, a lawyer with the National Council of State Legislatures.

Immigrant supporters rally

CHICAGO - Thousands of people supporting more lenient treatment of illegal immigrants marched through downtown Chicago and rallied at the lakefront Wednesday, calling for a moratorium on deportations.

The marchers passed through downtown in waves, some chanting "We are Americans!" and others hoisting U.S. flags and signs with messages such as "Deportation equals broken families" and "We build your American dream."

U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D.-Ill, played to the crowd at the rally in Grant Park, telling them: "It is through your actions and mobilizations that you will get Congress to act on immigration reform."

Chicago police Superintendent Philip Cline estimated the crowd at 10,000 and said it was a peaceful event with no arrests. Event organizers said they believed 50,000 participated.

[Last modified July 20, 2006, 01:24:17]