Prince William County Officials Approve Immigration Bill

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. -- The Prince William County board voted Tuesday on whether to adopt tougher measures that would target illegal immigrants.

The proposed measure requires that immigration status be checked before someone could use public services such as schools, libraries and swimming pools. The bill also requires police to check the residency status of anyone suspected of breaking the law. The measure would also force county police to ask about immigration during routine traffic stops.

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The resolution was stripped down from its most controversial amendments that would have guaranteed lawsuits, authorities said. Its original form required schools, libraries and even swimming pools to verify the immigration status of anyone using county services.

The resolution required officers to "inquire into the citizenship for immigration status of the detained person if there is probable cause to believe the person is in violation of (the Federal Immigration Law)."

Authorities said the names of undocumented residents that are gathered would be submitted to immigration officials for possible deportation.

In an 8-0 vote, Prince William County officials voted to approve the measure. Testimony during a hearing just before the vote wrapped up after about three hours, News4's Julie Carey reported.

"We take the most stringent, the strongest approach that any locality has made in Virginia by far," Prince William County Supervisor Chair Corey Stewart said.

Wearing red stickers that read, "Help Save Manassas," supporters of the bill argued that illegal immigrants are ruining their way of life.

"These border crashers have contributed to rising crime rates, increasing burdens on our schools, hospitals and public services, and the very destruction of our American culture," said proposal supporter Greg Letieco.

Opponents of the proposal have argued that the bill would promote profiling by authorities based on race and ethnicity. More than 150 protestors rallied outside during the voting.

"The motion is misguided in that it directs political frustration and denaturant leadership and focuses on the vulnerable -- women and children. It is harsh and hurtful for those who are unable to speak for themselves in a public forum without fear," said proposal opponent Rev. Bob Menard.

Day Labor supporter John Steinbach said this was a sad day for Prince William County. He said the resolution will divide the community.

John Stirrup, a member of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, said he authored the immigration resolution because about 20 percent of the county's population is foreign born.

A majority of board members have said they support the resolution but agreed that changes could still be made to the bill such as denying medical services to illegal immigrants.

Charlie Deane, the county police chief said they will face heightened racism after the resolution has been enacted.

He said he will need to meet with the county attorney and prosecutor so that he and his staff understands exactly what the resolution means.

Officials said the measure may face some legal obstacles in terms of schools checking residency status because courts have upheld the right of undocumented immigrants to a public education.

Officials said the measure could fuel a nationwide debate over illegal immigration.

Supervisors were very clear in saying that this resolution was only the first step. The amendments they pushed out may be enacted at a later date.