Utah House approves Arizona-style immigration law

By The AP
Friday, February 18, 2011

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House has approved an Arizona-style immigration enforcement law after heated debate.

Republican Rep. Stephen Sandstrom of Orem says House Bill 70 will discourage illegal immigrants from coming to Utah and reduce crime.

The bill passed on a 58-15 vote after more than an hour of debate today. It now goes to the Senate.

Sandstrom revised the bill after concerns about an estimated cost to local governments of $5 million to $11 million annually.

Now, law enforcement has discretion when checking the immigration status of people stopped for class B and C misdemeanors. Felonies and class A misdemeanors would still require a check.

Democratic House Minority Leader David Litvack of Salt Lake City says the law would not drive down crime and would pave the way for racial profiling.