Immigration supporters rally at (FL) state capitol

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Source: Miami Herald

Immigration supporters from throughout Florida descended on the state capitol to urge lawmaker not to approve Arizona-style immigration laws.

The events started around noon when hundreds of children, their families and religious leaders chanted “We are Florida” as they snaked across the Capitol courtyard and waved signs targeting SB 2040 and HB 7089. Eventually they crowded the steps of the Old Capitol, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, emphasizing the closing lines of “justice for all,” and singing the Star-Spangled Banner.

The protests, organized by the Florida Immigrant Coalition, are planned throughout the week. Protesters from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Orange counties, among other areas, planned to meet with their local delegations and urge against Arizona-style reforms.

Neither the House nor Senate version has been heard on the floor. SB 2040, sponsored by Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, is billed as a lighter approach to immigration reform than the House attempt, which makes being undocumented a misdemeanor. It is already a federal civil offense to enter the country illegally.

The House version, sponsored by Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, requires police to check the immigration status of a person under criminal investigation if there is “reasonable suspicion” he or she might be undocumented. The Senate bill would require police to check the status of inmates. Both bills require employers to check the immigration status of their employees, but the Senate version is more flexible about how to do it.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/25/2185009/immigration-supporters-rally-at.html#When:12:44:18Z