State Legislative Updates-Week of August 1

Virginia law enforcement to check the immigration status of anyone stopped.  On Monday, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issued a legal opinion that “allows law enforcement to check the immigration status of anyone stopped by the police for any reason.”  This broadens the scope of law enforcement authority who were previously only allowed to check an individual’s legal status if the person was arrested or jailed, not just stopped. 

In the wake of judge’s ruling in Arizona, lawmakers across the country still differ on copycat legislation.  Lawmakers in Ohio and Idaho are removing their copycat legislation from the table or making serious revisions after Judge Susan Bolton handed down her decision on the Arizona law last week.  However, lawmakers in other states like Texas and Oregon continue to press forward on copycat legislation standing by its constitutionality.  The diversity of responses continues to expose a country divided over immigration reform. 

Arizona Governor considers making changes to the states controversial immigration law.  After Judge Susan Bolton struck down many of the controversial pieces of SB 1070 last week, Governor Brewer started asking legislators whether they needed to make some changes to the law.  Although she is moving ahead with an appeal to the judge’s preliminary injunction, she is also considering calling a special session to make changes to the law. 

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham calls for an end to birth right citizenship.  The one time comprehensive immigration reform supporter, Lindsey Graham, has completely changed course.  Last week Graham announced he may introduce a constitutional amendment that would “change existing law to no longer grant citizenship to the children of immigrants born in the United States.”