Minnesota Lawmaker Pushes Immigration Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A Minnesota state lawmaker is pushing

immigration legislation modeled on a tough new Arizona law.

Republican Rep. Steve Drazkowski of Wabasha introduced a bill Thursday that would require law enforcement

officers to intervene if they have "reasonable suspicion" that a person is an illegal immigrant.

The bill would also make failure to carry immigration documents

a state crime punishable with fines, jail time or both.

Groups ranging from labor unions to human rights advocates are

criticizing the proposal.

Minneapolis labor union president Javier says the bill is "a lightning rod for intolerance, bigotry and hate" and would lead to racial profiling.

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