Alabama nears final approval of immigration crackdown
Following in the footsteps of the Alabama House of Representatives, the state Senate on Thursday passed a measure to crackdown on illegal immigration, bringing the measure close to becoming law.
If minor differences between versions of the bill are ironed out and Republican Governor Robert Bentley signs it, Alabama would join a handful of states enacting major immigration legislation this year.
The Alabama law is similar to an Arizona measure that stirred national controversy and was blocked in the courts. Like Arizona, Alabama state and local police would have broad powers to check the immigration status of people detained on other charges.