Virginia's Attorney General Says Police Can Ask About Immigration Status

From Rebellion:

Monday, August 2, 2010


Virginia attorney general says police can ask about immigration status



Hurrah for Virginia! Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has ruled the police can ask suspects about their immigration status, giving police in Virginia authority similar to what Arizona gave its LEOs:





The opinion is sure to widen a debate over illegal immigration in Virginia, where activists have said they wish to enact similar legislation to that adopted in Arizona. A federal judge has blocked key provisions of the Arizona law, including a provision that requires law enforcement to inquire about immigration status of those they have a "reasonable suspicion" might be in the country illegally. Cuccinelli filed an amicus brief supporting Arizona's position over that state's law.



Who doesn't like this ruling? Just the usual suspects:





Cuccinelli's opinion was criticized by Claire Guthrie Gastanaga, a former chief deputy attorney general of Virginia and advocate for pro-immigration organizations. "The Attorney General's stance largely mirrors the position of advocates for organizations, like [the Federation of American Immigration Reform], seeking to reduce or prohibit all immigration."



Yes, Claire, there are actually people who think there's a limit to how many immigrants a country can accommodate.



Hurrah for Virginia!