Some Republicans are growing a spine.
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/frontpage/7855.php
An illegal immigrant anywhere in Arizona would be guilty of a felony under a bill approved by the state House of Representatives.
The bill, approved 32-26 yesterday, had been approved previously by the Senate but now returns to that chamber to consider changes made by the House.
The bill would permit a first-time violator to be turned over to federal authorities, but also states the legislative intent that a repeat offender should be criminally prosecuted.
All 32 yes votes - one more than needed in the 60-member House - came from majority Republicans, while six Republicans joined all 20 Democrats in voting against the bill.
Democratic Rep. Ted Downing of Tucson later predicted that Republicans would experience a backlash. "This will be the rallying cry for every group and kid in the state," he said.
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/frontpage/7855.php
An illegal immigrant anywhere in Arizona would be guilty of a felony under a bill approved by the state House of Representatives.
The bill, approved 32-26 yesterday, had been approved previously by the Senate but now returns to that chamber to consider changes made by the House.
The bill would permit a first-time violator to be turned over to federal authorities, but also states the legislative intent that a repeat offender should be criminally prosecuted.
All 32 yes votes - one more than needed in the 60-member House - came from majority Republicans, while six Republicans joined all 20 Democrats in voting against the bill.
Democratic Rep. Ted Downing of Tucson later predicted that Republicans would experience a backlash. "This will be the rallying cry for every group and kid in the state," he said.
